NW Valley Times

The summer monsoon season has commenced in Arizona, lasting from now until September. Residents are advised to prepare for increased rainfall, lightning, dust, and sudden storms that may pose safety risks. The following guidelines are recommended for those caught in a monsoon storm.

If you find yourself outdoors without access to safe shelter, seek a low-lying area away from trees, fences, and poles. Avoid high ground, water bodies, trees, and metal objects. Additionally, secure outdoor items such as garbage cans, umbrellas, patio furniture, and any unsecured objects in your yard to prevent them from being blown away or causing damage.

In the event of encountering a dust storm while driving, it is crucial to pull off the road immediately. Turn off both headlights and taillights, switch the vehicle to "PARK," and remove your foot from the brake pedal. This precaution is necessary because other motorists may follow taillights through the dust storm and could potentially collide with your parked vehicle.

Adhering to the principle "Turn Around, Don’t Drown" is essential as vehicles can be swept away by as little as six inches of water. It is particularly challenging at night to gauge the depth or force of flowing water accurately. What may appear as a shallow stream over a road could conceal rapidly moving water beneath its surface.

For further information on safety measures during the monsoon season, please visit Peoria Fire-Medical Safety Tips.