When storms hit, Scottsdale responds
Whether it's a flooded roadway in the middle of the night, a downed tree blocking traffic after a monsoon storm or a missing manhole cover creating a hazard, Scottsdale's Emergency Response Team is ready to respond.
Operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the city's 15-member Emergency Response Team (ERT) has quietly protected Scottsdale residents and visitors for more than 25 years. Made up of employees from Transportation and Infrastructure, Parks and Recreation and Facilities, the team serves as the city's after-hours response force for weather-related incidents and roadway emergencies.
The team responds to hazards throughout the city's right of way, including replacing damaged street signs and manhole covers, installing barricades around flooded roads, clearing fallen trees from streets and sidewalks, and removing mud, rocks and debris left behind after storms. Approximately 95% of ERT calls originate through 911 dispatch, with the remaining requests coming from the city's Street Operations team.
"Our residents count on city services no matter what time of day an emergency happens," City Manager Greg Caton said. "The Emergency Response Team represents the very best of public service and employees from multiple departments working together behind the scenes to protect our community, restore safe travel conditions and respond whenever they're needed."
When a call comes in, the on-call ERT employee evaluates the situation and determines what resources are needed. Team members must have at least one year of field experience, maintain strong job performance and be able to arrive anywhere in Scottsdale within one hour when called from home.
During monsoon season, the team's work becomes even more critical. ERT managers monitor weather forecasts and county rain-gauge data to anticipate storms and coordinate closely with Scottsdale's Emergency Manager. If conditions warrant, the Emergency Operations Center can be activated to enhance coordination across city departments and regional partners.
"Many people don't realize how much coordination happens before, during and after a storm," Police Chief Joe LeDuc said. "The Emergency Response Team works hand in hand with police, fire, dispatchers and emergency management to quickly identify hazards, close dangerous roadways and help keep the public safe. Their work allows first responders to focus on emergencies while ensuring residents can travel as safely as possible."
Safety is also a top priority for ERT members. Crews responding during overnight storms or severe weather use high-visibility barricades, reflective equipment and personal protective equipment while working only feet from moving traffic.
The team's efforts also help Scottsdale meet Maricopa County dust control requirements by clearing debris from major roadways within 24 hours after a storm, collector streets within 48 hours and neighborhood streets within 72 hours, timelines the city routinely meets or exceeds.
On weather-alert days, Scottsdale's Office of Communications works alongside emergency personnel to remind motorists to slow down, obey barricades, watch for city crews and adjust travel plans when necessary.