Monsoon season is almost every Arizonan's favorite time of year because it means RAIN! The desert is almost always in desperate need of rain and in the summer when the storms come up quickly, it can spell trouble! Here's some tips to keep yourself and your home safe during monsoon season.
1. Be Aware! This is with anything in life but especially during Monsoon Season! If you are out hiking or in the outskirts of town, flash floods are a very real threat! Dry desert washes can come to life in an instant and miles ahead of a storm. Be aware of where you are, what roads you're taking and what the weather is like even outside of town.
2. If you live in a low spot and tend to have lots of water on or near your property, it's probably not a bad idea to keep sandbags near at hand just in case you are located in a spot with a sudden torrential downpour, you're ready to protect your house! Just in case water rises too quickly, know where the high ground is so you can get your loved ones there quickly to stay safe!
3. Don't cross flooded roads! Here is Arizona we have the Stupid Motorists Law (not kidding with the name) that says it is your responsibility to pay for any needed rescue/recovery efforts for yourself and your vehicle if you cross a flooded road. Be very careful! Oftentimes flooded roadways are caused by flash floods or running washes and you can't see if they've washed out parts of the road and it's very difficult to tell how deep the water is. Don't think you know better and go around any barricades either. The barricades are there for a reason!
4. If a monsoon rolls in make sure to get out of the pool! If you can hear thunder, you are within striking distance! Don't forget that lightning can strike 10-15 miles ahead of a storm.
5. If a dust storm rolls in, stay where you are! Don't get into your car to try to get home. With the extreme low visibility, you can't see if the wind has blown obstacles into the roadway until it's too late and you can't see if traffic has come to a stop until it's too late. Best to just wait out the storm and leave afterwards.
6. If you are hiking or camping and a storm rolls in, be very mindful of camping in low spots or along creeks, washes or rivers! High ground is your friend! If you're hiking, get out of box canyons and up to high ground and listen for loud roars which can indicate a flash flood! Watch the weather and normal weather patterns so that you can enjoy your trip before the storm rolls in.
Check out our monthly hikes around Arizona to explore the outdoors! This month (July) we are headed to hike Trail 260 just outside of Payson. We are going to hit the trail around 9:30 and hoping to be done around 12:30 before the storms roll in. Call Chelsea at (602) 748-6136 if you'd like more information or if you'd like to join in on our next hike!
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