Arizona’s Ready, Set, Go: What Every Family Needs to Know

I was living in Cochise County in 2011 when the Monument Fire broke out. It was frightening for everyone in South Sierra Vista, Hereford, and Palominas as we saw our neighbors being evacuated, and strong winds made the fire spread quickly.

As the fire spread over several days, my family had to pack up, move our animals, and leave our home, too.

While we were loading our horses into a trailer, a Sheriff’s deputy drove by and told us to leave right away. We didn’t realize it then, but we were learning just how important it is to have an emergency plan.

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The Ready, Set, Go Program in Arizona

No one wants to face an emergency without the right resources. The Ready, Set, Go program is Arizona’s statewide system to help people stay safe during fast-moving emergencies. It’s especially important during wildfire and monsoon season in Cochise County.

The program has three simple steps: Ready means prepare now, Set means stay alert, and Go means leave right away. According to the Arizona Emergency Information Network, the program provides everyone with clear, standardized instructions wherever they live.

READ: How Cochise County Prepares For Potential Wildfires

Ready: Prepare Before the Emergency

In a recent First Watch interview, Dan Duchon from Cochise County Emergency Management said, “We should always, always be ready. There is no ready phase.”

Duchon pointed out that planning ahead is essential. This includes clearing brush before fire season, getting sandbags before monsoon storms, and following official county or city social media pages to find accurate information.

State guidance from the Arizona EIN supports Duchon’s advice. Families should put together a 72-hour emergency kit and plan for the “5 P’s”:

• People
• Pets
• Prescriptions
• Papers
• Priceless Items

Set: Stay Alert and Be Ready to Move

When officials send out a Set notification, Duchon explained that it means there’s “a threat in the area.” Don’t wait—leaving early can help you avoid traffic and stress.

This is when you should load your car, cancel any plans, and watch for updates. State agencies warn that Set might be the only notice you get if things get worse fast.

READ: Are You Ready for Wildfire Season in Arizona?

Go: Leave Immediately

This isn’t a drill. Go means there is real danger, and you must evacuate.

Duchon explained simply, “Go means there’s a danger in your area and it’s life‑threatening and you should evacuate.” Arizona’s official guidance adds that staying behind can put both residents and first responders in danger.

Be Prepared, Southeastern Arizona

Wildfire and monsoon season can hit Cochise County hard, and based on recent history, it’s important to follow all guidelines.

Duchon mentioned the recent 16-acre fire near Cochise Stronghold, saying it “put off a lot of smoke” and needed aviation support to control.

Ready, Set, Go helps people act early, avoid panic, and stay informed. To learn more or sign up for county-wide alerts, visit the Arizona Emergency Information website.