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Prioritize. Partner. Prepare.

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​MISSION

The Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management is committed to a secure and resilient city that empowers the Whole Community.

VISION

We are the lighthouse for the City of Phoenix, guiding the way through any "storm" that comes our way. Our light is always on.

Director, Lisa Jones

 Lisa L. Jones was appointed as Director of the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management in 2016.  She orchestrates the City’s efforts to integrate the whole community in order to plan and prepare for emergencies, coordinate disaster response and recovery, and facilitate public information and warning. Prior to her appointment, she led the Phoenix Fire Department’s Emergency Medical Services section and was responsible for the training, evaluation and performance of over 1600 EMT’s and Paramedics. During her 23 years of public safety with the City, she has held the positions of Firefighter to Deputy Chief and various specialties to include Emergency Paramedic and Technical Rescue Technician.


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  Announcements

Excessive Heat Watch, Warning and Advisory Explained

What is the difference between weather watch, warnings, and advisories?  Which message should you be most concerned with?  These are frequently asked questions for those of us who are not weather experts. To help clarify the difference and severity of weather messaging, the National Weather Service (NWS) provides the following definitions:

Excessive Heat Watch - Potential for the heat index value to reach or exceed 110 degrees within 24 - 48 hours

Excessive Heat Warning - Heat index value expected to reach 110 degrees within 12 - 24 hours

Heat Advisory - Heat index value is expected to reach 105 - 109 degrees within 12 - 24 hours

The NWS has also created an experimental product to make it easier to understand heat impacts and risks since heat affects everyone differently.  Access the experimental NWS Potential Heat Risks Map  for a cool new tool to help you plan and make decisions for outdoor activities or heat sensitive populations.

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Phoenix is StormReady

City officials announce StormReady initiative

Storm ready - national weather service logoThe City of Phoenix was officially recognized and designated as "StormReady" by the National Weather Service. The Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management  serves the community to ensure the Whole Community is prepared for extreme weather and water events. The City of Phoenix earned the StormReady designation by establishing partnerships and proactively preparing and planning for known weather vulnerabilities that threaten the community.

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Are you prepared for summer Phoenix?

There are many hazards associated with summertime in Arizona. Have you done everything you can to prepare yourself and loved ones for a safe summer? Access the National Weather Service's Summer Safety Page for helpful information and tips.