How to Be Safe in A Monsoon

Monsoon season is from June through September in the Southwest. If you are new to the Valley, you need to know how to be safe in a monsoon.

A monsoon is an intense storm that can come up quickly. It is often a combination of rain, wind, thunder and lightning and dust. Sometimes the dust cloud precedes the rain – it’s a wonder to watch.

People in Arizona get pretty excited about monsoon season because it brings much needed rain. And they are magnificent storms to watch; but they also are dangerous storms.

Be Prepared

Have a weather app on your phone so you can receive alerts about any impending storm. Pay attention to weather reports during monsoon season and plan accordingly if you receive an alert.

Before hiking, check the weather. A flash flood can be deadly. Every year, there are deaths due to flash flooding. If in doubt, don’t go.

Keep you car equipped with a few basic things at all times.

• Water
• Bandana or mask
• First aid kit
• Phone charger

Keep your car well-maintained so that it is ready for summer and stormy weather. (Read our post about car maintenance in Arizona.)

Dust Storm Safety

Do not go out if there is a dust storm and avoid breathing the dusty air. Valley Fever is a respiratory disease caused by fungus that grows in the soil in the southwestern part of the country and can be airborne in a dust storm.

If you are home during a dust storm:

• Bring in your pets
• Close your windows and doors
• Turn off the fan on your HVAC system until the storm passes

Road Safety

Roads can be slippery. Due to the fact that there is very little rain here, an oily build-up can be on the roads, making the road slippery when it rains. Allow for plenty of braking room when you are on the road.

Roads can flood before your eyes. Overpasses and other low area can easily flood. Never, ever attempt to pass through water on the road. If you ignore the sign of high water and get stuck, not only is it a danger to you and your passengers, you will have to pay for the expense of being rescued, thanks to the Stupid Motorist law.

Dust storms are dangerous for someone on the road. The dust cloud can be very dense and make it impossible to see. If you are driving:

• Pull your car over to the side as far as you can.
• Turn off the lights.
• Set the emergency brake and take your foot off the brake pedal. (This may seem counter-intuitive, but it is to prevent another car from following the lights on your car and hitting you.)
• Roll up your windows and close the air vents.
• Keep your seatbelt on in the event of a collision.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a damp cloth or mask.

Once you knowing how to be safe in a monsoon and have experienced a one, you are well on your way to understanding life in Arizona.