Emergency preparedness in Southwest
Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, and Nevada. Extreme heat, drought, wildfires, and flash floods define the risk landscape. Phoenix recorded 31 consecutive days above 110°F in 2023 — the longest stretch on record (NWS). Texas Winter Storm Uri in 2021 caused at least 246 deaths and over $195 billion in damage (FEMA). Flash floods kill more people in the Southwest than any other weather hazard (NWS).
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Why prepare in Southwest?
Winter Storm Uri
Unprecedented winter storm brought sub-zero temperatures to Texas, collapsing the power grid. 4.5 million homes lost power, water systems failed, and at least 246 people died.
Phoenix Heat Dome
31 consecutive days above 110°F in Phoenix. Emergency rooms overwhelmed with heat-related cases. Over 600 heat-related deaths in Maricopa County.
New Mexico Wildfires
The Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon fire became the largest in New Mexico history, burning over 341,000 acres and destroying hundreds of homes.
These events are real and recent. Preparing ahead of time lets you react calmly and protect your family when it matters most.
Would your family be ready today?
In less than 5 minutes you will know exactly what you need: water, food, gear and communications based on the number of people and the risks in your area.
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Gear checklist for Southwest
Extra water: 1.5 gal/person/day in heat
Extreme heat dramatically increases water needs and dehydration risk
Electrolyte powder or tablets
Heat-related illness is the leading weather killer in the Southwest
Portable shade or reflective blanket
If AC fails during a heat wave, cooling measures become critical
Battery-powered fan
Indoor temperatures can exceed 100°F within hours of a power outage during summer
Go-bag for flash flood evacuation
Desert flash floods arrive with little warning and move fast
N95 masks for wildfire smoke
Wildfires in neighboring states frequently blanket the Southwest in dangerous smoke
The planner adjusts quantities, categories and products based on the number of people, duration and the specific risks of your area.
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Recommended products for Southwest
Selection based on the specific risks of this area.
Products selected by our team · Based on official sources (FEMA, Red Cross)
The product selection below is based on the analysis of the specific risks of Southwest and on the experience of emergency preparedness specialists. Every product was chosen for its reliability in real conditions, not just for the manufacturer specs.
Before you buy, evaluate which categories are priority for your family situation: the number of people, the presence of children or older adults, and whether your plan includes staying home or evacuating completely change the needs. Our free planner calculates the exact quantities for your case in less than five minutes.
water-filtration
Scepter 2.5 Gallon True Military BPA Free Water Container, Food Grade Water Jug for Camping and Emergency Storage, Green
power-lighting
DIBMS 4-Pack Solar Camping Lantern, Collapsible LED Solar USB Rechargeable Lantern Flashlight Emergency Hanging Lights f
shelter-warmth
Ever Ready First Aid Mylar Rescue Blanket, Large Silver Thermal Sheet for Emergency and Survival, 54” x 84” – 20 Count
backpacks-kits
ROARING FIRE Tactical Backpack, Expandable Molle Backpack for The Outdoor, Hiking, 3 Day Pack, Bug Out Bag,
These products are a starting point, not a definitive list. Your family's real needs depend on factors only you know: allergies, chronic medication, pets, reduced mobility or the presence of young children.
Use our planner to get a personalized list that takes all those factors into account and adjusts the quantities to the exact number of people and days you want to cover.
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Frequently asked questions about Southwest
How much extra water do I need in the Southwest?
How do I prepare for a flash flood?
Can a winter storm really hit the Southwest?
Other risk areas in the US
Northeast
Blizzards and nor'easters, Coastal flooding and storm surge
Southeast
Hurricanes and tropical storms, Extreme heat and humidity
Midwest
Tornadoes and severe storms, Ice storms and blizzards
West Coast
Earthquakes, Wildfires
Mountain West
Wildfires, Heavy snowfall and avalanches
Pacific Islands
Hurricanes and tropical storms, Tsunamis
Protect your family in Southwest — in less than 5 minutes
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