How to prepare for monsoon season

Monsoon season is an important part of our desert ecosystem as the rainfall that it brings gives the soil and vegetation of our region that much needed water and nutrients, especially in the hot temperatures that reign during the summer. However, increasingly intense storms can also be a grave danger, as it can cause flash floods to spring at a moment’s notice. The Arizona Emergency Information Network has made the following recommendations for this upcoming monsoon season:

• Plan and rehearse a family communication plan in case of emergency; prepare an emergency to-go kit with nonperishable food and water for all members of your family, important documents, medicine, and a weather radio. Inquire what hazards are in your community and where you travel.

• Turn Around, Don’t Drown: When traveling, pay attention to weather reports, watches and warnings, and forecasts for the area you are in. One of the worst mistakes a person can make is underestimate the power of water, as it only takes about 6 inches of fast moving-water to knock an adult off their feet, and 18 inches is enough to carry most vehicles away.

• Pull Aside, Stay Alive: Strong monsoons winds can create dense blowing clouds of dust thar reduce visibility to near zero. If you are caught in a dust storm, pull over to the side of the road, place your vehicle in park, turn off the lights, and take your foot off the brake.

• When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors: Summer storms can move quickly and be deadly. Lightning can strike within 10 miles away and spark fires which spread quickly if it is windy. If you can hear thunder, lightning is close enough to strike. If a storm approaches, seek shelter and remain indoors for at least 30 minutes.