As we prepare for the significant winter storm to impact Central and Northern Arizona later this week you are encouraged to sign up for the local Emergency Notification System within your corresponding county.  The purpose of the alerting system is to notify local residents and business owners via recorded phone messages, texts or emails of an emergency or disaster in the area.  Information about necessary actions, such as evacuations can also be provided through the alerting system.

Although the Emergency Notification System is intended to alert individuals who live in, work or attend school in Navajo or Apache County, anyone can sign up and receive the alerts.

To register for the alerting system in Navajo County type in Ready Navajo County on your web browser search bar, click on Ready Navajo County Registration and once inside the page click the large green type that says Ready Navajo County which is located approximately mid-page.  You can also visit http://www.navajocountyaz.gov/Departments/Emergency-Management-and-Preparedness/Ready-Navajo-County-Notification-System/Ready-Navajo-County-Registration.  A registration button is also located on the Navajo County Emergency Management and Preparedness Facebook page near the top right hand corner.  Press the blue button that states “sign up” to enroll.

To register for the alerting system in Apache County visit http://www.co.apache.az.us/ and click on Ready Apache County from the list on the left side of the page.

The instructions to sign up for either Ready Navajo or Apache County are as follows:

Sign Up: 

1. Create Username and Password

2. Identify security question

3. Enter your email address if you have one

4. Click I accept terms of use

5. Click “Create Your Account”

Under My Profile: 

1.  Add your contact information (this can be text message, mobile phone number, email, home phone and work

Click Save & Continue 

2. Add your location (Home, Business, Other)

Click Save & Continue 

3. Select your Alert Subscriptions

Click Save & Continue 

4. Select the following:

• Any Access and/or functional needs that you may have in your home or business

• Any Hazardous weather alerts that you want to receive

• Trained volunteers

• Check the cities, towns, and/or chapters you wish to receive information about

Click Save & Continue 

5. Review your information and if correct save page

A Winter Storm Watch Has been issued for Apache and Navajo Counties to begin at 5 a.m. Thursday morning, February 21 through 8 p.m. Friday evening, February 22, 2019. It is important to be prepared since winter weather can cause power outages resulting in the loss of heat, water or communications to homes and businesses.

Preparing for winter storms is similar to preparing for other emergencies such as floods or wildfires. By following the steps below, you can help your family be prepared now:

• Make an emergency supply kit to include: a three-day supply of non-perishable food and water (one gallon per person, per day), batteries, flashlights, a hand crank radio, first aid kit, infant formula,pet food, extra blankets, warm winter coats, candles, firewood and an alternate heating source should a power outage occur. Ensure that you have enough prescription medications to last you through the storm.
• Make a family emergency plan. Have a written list of phone numbers should you be separated from your family when the storm hits, know how to contact one another. Ensure your mobile devices are fully charged.
• Make an emergency supply kit for your vehicle to include: blankets, extra winter clothes, flashlights and batteries, ice scraper, a shovel, water and a bag of salt or sand.  Ensure that you have a full tank of gas when entering the storm area. Those with travel plans later this week should begin to consider alternatives, such as leaving earlier or after the storm has passed and roads are clear.

Know where to find storm updates. An excellent source for weather forecasts and warnings is http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/fgz/. In addition, you can dial 311 from any phone to receive updates from the Health Department, and Emergency Management, as well as obtain information from the Forest Service.  Weather updates can also be found on 311info.net or by tuning into your local television or radio channels. If you have any further questions, please contact  Apache County Public Health Service District at 928-333-6430 or Navajo County Emergency Management at 928-524-4163 or the Public Health Emergency Preparedness office at 928-524-4742.

A major winter storm remains on track to impact northern Arizona early Thursday morning through Friday evening. Please see the attached map for information concerning snow accumulation.

Also, be sure to stay tuned in to this page for all updates of the storm and preparedness activities that you can do to make sure you are ready for it.