Log in

WEATHER WORKERS

Sky Harbor to streets: Phoenix commander says city is monsoon ready

The monsoon arrived Thursday, and Phoenix officials said the city is prepared for whatever the summer season brings.

Each city department has its own action plan, but the overall effort to respond to weather-related events goes through the emergency management team.

​“The Office of Emergency Management's primary responsibility is the coordination and facilitation of resources and personnel to be able to respond and adjust to whatever the incident might be,” Cmdr. Brian Lee, director of the office, said, citing various departments that have specific jobs.

You must be a member to read this story.

Join our family of readers starting at $5 for your first month and support local, unbiased journalism.


Already have an account? Log in to continue.

Otherwise, follow the link below to join.

Please log in to continue

Log in
I am anchor
WEATHER WORKERS

Sky Harbor to streets: Phoenix commander says city is monsoon ready

Posted

The monsoon arrived Thursday, and Phoenix officials said the city is prepared for whatever the summer season brings.

Each city department has its own action plan, but the overall effort to respond to weather-related events goes through the emergency management team.

​“The Office of Emergency Management's primary responsibility is the coordination and facilitation of resources and personnel to be able to respond and adjust to whatever the incident might be,” Cmdr. Brian Lee, director of the office, said, citing various departments that have specific jobs.

Here are some:

  • Special equipment and procedures are used at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport to keep air travel of both people and goods moving without interruption. 
  • Personnel from the Phoenix Fire Department train year-round to respond to water rescues in flooded roads, canals and other bodies of water.
  • Park rangers are ready to advise hikers ahead of storms.
  • Water services teams educate the public about keeping debris and trash out of the city’s drains.
  • The Phoenix Police Department uses community outreach to warn and inform about driving safety before and during a storm.
  • Public works teams provide assistance with special bulk trash pickups should storms cause significant damage.
  • Heavy duty equipment used by street transportation crews assists with keeping main roadways clear of water in the event of flooding. They also work to clear washes and drainage locations before storms roll in.

For more: Phoenix.gov/Summer.

Share with others


Have an opinion on this story? Click here to send a letter to our editors.

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here