In many respects, an emergency situation in Arizona is no different to an emergency in any other American state. With that said, Arizona’s hot climate and rugged landscape do set it apart somewhat.
Emergencies can strike unexpectedly and vary in severity. One person’s emergency is a mild inconvenience to another. There are many types of emergencies, from natural disasters to financial loss.
This article will break down six different types of emergency, and explain how you should approach them as an Arizonian, and what options are available to you:
Financial Uncertainty
For many people, financial uncertainty is the worst kind of disaster that can strike, especially now, considering the pandemic and its impact on the global economy. One of the easiest ways to address financial uncertainty is a title loan. There are multiple title loan companies in Phoenix, AZ, and in other places in the state. A title loan is a secured loan, where one’s vehicle title is used as collateral. Provided that you pay back the loan in a timely fashion, your vehicle’s title will be restored to you. If you do not pay back your loan, then your vehicle will be seized by the company.
You can also take out an ordinary unsecured loan, although the interest rates on these are insane when compared to title loans. You may also be able to borrow from friends or family.
Natural Disasters
Natural disasters in Arizona are common. The most common type of natural disaster in Arizona is wildfires, due to the state’s hot and dry conditions. There are currently ongoing wildfires burning across Arizona. Dust storms are also very common in Arizona, due to the state’s four different desert regions. There are also frequent floods in Arizona, due to heavy rainfall mostly in the monsoon season. Regarding all disasters, it’s important to follow the government’s advice and guidance. You will be able to find this on your government’s local website, or by turning on local access television. The government will publish safety information and advice, advising on whether to stay at home or leave.
Housefires
Housefires can strike unexpectedly and leave disasters in their wake. Because of Arizona’s hot climate, housefires are common, particularly houses that are made from wood. It’s always good to have a fire extinguisher in your home so that you can treat housefires immediately. If you can’t put a fire out yourself, then you should phone the fire department and evacuate the property. Fires have the potential to be fatal, and so, should be treated very seriously. When evacuating a property that’s on fire, stay low to the ground to avoid smoke inhalation and do not touch door handles with your bare hands.
Sickness
Sickness, like all disasters, can strike suddenly. The world knows this all too well, as we enter our second year with COVID-19. If you or your loved ones have fallen sick and have a high temperature, the first thing that you need to do is to take a COVID-19 test. If you test positive, then you will need to isolate. Medical professionals recommend checking your blood oxygen levels at regular intervals. COVID-19 is notorious for causing people’s oxygen levels to drop to dangerous levels. If at any point you feel extremely unwell or your oxygen levels drop below 96, then you should phone an ambulance. The best way to avoid COVID-19 is to get vaccinated.
Droughts
Arizona’s dry, arid climate is often the cause of droughts, particularly for people who live in rural areas. If you are experiencing a drought, then it’s crucial that you stock up on water or head to a location where there aren’t any water shortages. In many cases, the state government will ferry water to people who are short on it. In America today, dying because of drought is very unlikely. With that said, still take precautions and if you live in drought-prone areas, make sure to have lots of water stocked up.
Car Accidents
Car accidents are a very common, and very dangerous type of emergency. Every year, over a thousand people die because of them in Arizona alone. The best way to treat a car accident is to phone an ambulance and emergency services. To be honest, prevention is better than cure. It’s better to completely avoid them than to treat them after they have happened. Drive safely within the speed limit, and never drive when you are under the influence of any intoxicants.
Emergency situations can happen at any time, to anyone. Often, they cannot be avoided. This article has covered six of the most common types of emergencies in the state of Arizona. Now that you know what they are and what to do when they happen, you are much safer and much less likely to be injured.
