PHOENIX — The City of Phoenix has shared tips on what to do before and during a monsoon.
Monsoon can bring much needed rain to the state but it can also bring unfriendly winds, severe flooding and thick dust storms strong enough to stop traffic.
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Nazar Nabaty, flood plain management group with the city of Phoenix, said one of the first things homeowners should review is if their home is in a flood plain area.
"If you are on a flood plain, we encourage the homeowners to get flood insurance, even those outside of the flood plain," Nabaty said.
Nabaty said the City of Phoenix has a class 5 rating in the Community Rating System from the National Flood Insurance Program that will save Phoenix residents 25%.
Toure Jackson, a foreman with Parks and Recreation, said severe winds can knock branches and trees down during a monsoon so it's best to do regular tree maintenance to help
"Let people know they should prune their trees prior to the monsoon they should remove all the disease and crossing branches to avoid failure during the monsoon season," Jackson said.
The City of Phoenix also shared the following tips if you're inside, outdoors or in a car during a monsoon.
Indoors:
- Prepare by securing outdoor items and covering windows
- Stay informed through radio, TV, or cable updates
- Avoid using electricity and unplug non-essential appliances
- Avoid water usage and taking baths/showers - Turn off air conditioners to prevent damage
Outdoors:
- Seek shelter in a building, car, or open area away from hazards
- Avoid isolated trees, sheds, and metal objects
- Stay away from water and flooded areas
- Move to higher ground if flooding is possible
In a car:
- Pull over to a safe location away from trees
- Stay in the car with emergency flashers on
- Avoid driving through flooded roads and follow traffic signs
Shephard Jackson, a health and safety specialist at Salt River Project, said it's always best to keep a set of items handy including:
- Flashlights
- First Aid Kits
- Portable Phone Chargers
- Gallons of water
Jackson also advised against going outside to view the monsoon.
"There's no reason to go outside, there's no reason to try to drive," Jackson said. "The safest place would be at your house."
Jared Haukland with SRP advised people to be aware of their surroundings and to stay away from down powerlines.
Haukland said during a power outage crews work around the clock to try to get power back on.
"We understand it can be frustrating," Haukland said. "Just try to be patient with the crews. If we can, just give them some space."