Emergency Management and Preparedness

Apache County is currently updating the 2017 Hazard Mitigation Plan. For copies of the current updates or to make a public comment, please contact Haley Nicoll or call (928) 551-8024.

The mission of the Emergency Management and Preparedness Department of Apache County is to evaluate, understand, plan, and prepare for the unexpected by teaming actively with other responder agencies, volunteer organizations, and the private sector in supporting an effective response, mitigating further hazards, and assisting in recovery actions. This includes educating and informing the community of issues and actions taken on their behalf.

Our Vision

The Apache County Division of Emergency Management and Preparedness will be committed to proactive planning and preparation in support of emergency responses in our community, by providing quality customer-oriented service through teamwork.

What We Do

We benefit our local, regional, state, national, and global communities best by maintaining and enhancing expertise in the field of public health emergency preparedness and providing the community with guidance, strategies, structures, plans, services, and education in preparation for and in response to public health emergencies. With the help of volunteers, we coordinate training to prepare the community to help itself.

Our Goals

To fulfill our mission, we work with stakeholders to:

  • prevent or mitigate public health emergencies through rigorous detection, education, communication, evidence-based practices, and surveillance methods; 
  • prepare for public health emergencies through comprehensive planning, training, simulation, evaluation, and operational experience; and 
  • respond to public health emergencies by coordination, reaction, reporting, communication, and evaluation.

3-1-1 Northeastern Arizona Public Information System

Call 3-1-1 from any mobile device or (928) 333-3412 from a land line for up-to-date and accurate information in NE Arizona. Sign up on the Apache County Emergency Notification System to receive real-time alerts in the event of an emergency or disaster.

Winter Weather Preparedness

Photo collage of emergency management responses

Before winter storms and extreme cold, consider the following: 

  • Purchase rock salt or more environmentally safe products to melt ice on walkways. 
  • Use sand to improve traction. 
  • Be sure you have snow shovels and other snow removal equipment. 
  • Ensure you have sufficient heating fuel. You may become isolated in your home, and regular fuel sources may be cut off. Store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove. 
  • Have adequate clothing and blankets to keep you warm. Have enough nonperishable food and drinking water on hand to last for 72 hours. 
  • Keep a non-electric can opener in the house. 
  • Make sure you have filled all prescription medications for everyone in your family. 
  • Keep a battery-operated radio in the house. 
  • Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or other local news channels for critical information from the National Weather Service (NWS). Be alert to changing weather conditions. 
  • Minimize travel. If travel is necessary, keep a disaster supplies kit in your vehicle. 
  • Bring pets/companion animals inside during winter weather. Move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas with non-frozen drinking water. 

Roads 

Apache County Engineering and Roads Department has identified priority roads and implemented a snow removal and cindering policy. Once priority roads are cleared, the county begins work on other roads maintained by the county. When a road closure is issued, county personnel post a “Road Closed” sign on a wind master sign stand in the middle of the road. We check these roads to assure nobody is on the road at that time. 

For winter emergencies, in addition to checking this page, you may also watch the local news broadcast, listen to your local radio stations, and visit the National Weather Service website. 

If a winter emergency is issued, you can also call the 3-1-1 hotline number or (928) 333-3412. Online, go to 311info.net or check the Emergency Management Facebook page.