MONSOON Watches & Warnings Information Zone Watches = Be Aware. Follow these agencies on SEASON Warnings = Take Action! social media: is the most dangerous • Maricopa County Department MONSOON time of year weather-wise of Emergency Management in the Southwest. Severe Thunderstorm • Flood Control District of STORMS Watch Maricopa County Conditions are favorable for • Arizona Emergency Information Although the Monsoon brings widespread thunderstorms Network welcome rains and relief with damaging winds and from the summer heat, the • National Weather Service even large hail to develop. Phoenix thunderstorms that come with These are usually issued the Monsoon bring their own hazards. Lightning, severe wind, only when an especially dust storms, and flooding can active day is expected. all accompany thunderstorms, Watch weather reports and causing injuries and property conditions closely. damage. Severe Thunderstorm Warning A thunderstorm with damaging winds of 60 mph or greater is imminent, or 5630 E. McDowell Road is already underway. These Phoenix, AZ 85008 winds could also produce a 602-273-1411 dust storm with visibilities ready.maricopa.gov Preparedness below 1/4 mile. Hail 1” in diameter or larger is also Starts with You! possible.

Publication made possible by a grant from The Secure Rural Schools and Community Self- Determination Act of 2000, Title III Funds under 2009 Forestry Fees with the Forest Maricopa County Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. Emergency Management 2017 Before Be Informed. Be Ready. Take Action. Take Action in a Vehicle • If you are driving, try to safely Know Your Risk & Be Informed Before & During Any Disaster or Large-Scale Emergency exit the roadway and park. • Typically, summer thunderstorms • Monitor your television, portable radio, or cell phone for information and Stay in the vehicle and turn on form in the early to mid-afternoon. instructions. the emergency flashers until • No place outside is safe from • If you have been told to EVACUATE or SHELTER in your home, DO SO the heavy rain ends. Avoid lightning which often strikes IMMEDIATELY. Secure your home. Remember your pets. Check on neighbors touching metal or other surfaces outside of heavy rain. If you who may need special assistance. Follow all evacuation or shelter orders given that conduct electricity in and hear thunder, you are likely by local authorities. outside the vehicle. within striking distance. • Return home only when authorities say it’s safe. • If you are on a boat and cannot • Typical surge protectors will get to shelter, drop anchor and not protect equipment from a get as low as possible. lightning strike. During • If you are on a motorcycle Prepare Yourself & Your Family Take Action Outdoors Take Action Indoors • WHEN THUNDER ROARS, GO or bike, pull over and wait 30 • Develop and practice a minutes after the last rumble of Disaster Plan with your family • Corded phones are dangerous INDOORS! Go to a nearby large substantial building or a fully- thunder before resuming your to prepare for what to do, where during thunderstorms. Cell ride. to go, and how to communicate phone and cordless phones are enclosed, metal-topped vehicle. during any disaster. safe. • Avoid open fields, the top of a • Prepare to evacuate by creating • Wait to use any plumbing. hill or a ridge top. Get to the a Go Bag for each individual Plumbing can conduct electricity lowest point but be aware of and pet. Consider including one from lightning strikes from flash flooding. in your vehicle and one at work. After outside. • Stay away from tall, isolated • Prepare to stay in your home for Stay Safe, Healthy & Alert up to 3 days (without electricity • Don’t touch electrical equipment trees or other tall objects. If you or running water) by creating an such as computers, TVs, or are in a forest, stay near a lower • Wait 30 minutes after the last Emergency Kit. cords. You can use remote stand of trees. rumble of thunder before going back outside. controls and wireless computers • If you are in a group, spread out • Visit ready.maricopa.gov and safety. ein.az.gov to learn more about to avoid the current traveling • Drive with caution. Anticipate how to prepare for disasters. • Stay away from windows and between group members. traffic light outages and obstacles in the road. Report Prepare Your Home doors. Avoid concrete floors and • Stay away from water, wet walls. Stay off of porches. broken utility lines and damaged • Unplug expensive electronics items, and metal objects. roadways/railways to appropriate when thunderstorms are • Bring pets indoors. authorities as soon as possible. expected, and BEFORE the • If you feel your hair stand on storm arrives. end, squat low to the ground on • Stay away from flooded and the balls of your feet. Place your storm damaged areas. • If it’s not too hot, turn off air- REPORT hands over your ears and your conditioners. head between your knees. Make • If your home or property is • Trim tree branches away from If someone has been struck by yourself the smallest target damaged, take photos/videos of your home. Ask the power lightning, call 9-1-1 immediately. possible and minimize your damage, list all damaged items, company to clear branches from They do not hold an electric charge contact with the ground. DO and contact your insurance power lines. and can be treated. NOT lie flat on the ground. agent to discuss claims.