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      Monsoon Safety

      Arizona is known for our fantastic storms.

      Here are some tips to help you protect yourself and your family when a big storm hits.

      Outdoors

      • Lightning is attracted to metal and water, and often strike the tallest objects.
      • YOU ARE IN A STRIKE ZONE IF YOU HEAR THUNDER FIVE SECONDS OR LESS AFTER YOU SEE LIGHTNING!
      • Stay away from wide, open areas such as fields and golf courses.
      • Stay off hilltops and other high points of land.
      • Don’t stand near trees or tall poles
      • Get at least 7 feet away from tall objects
      • Avoid metal objects such as golf carts and clubs, lawn mowers and pipes.
      • Get to the lowest point of ground you can, and kneel or squat to minimize your contact points with the ground.
      • Do not lie flat. This will make you a bigger target.
      • Don’t huddle with others. Spread out at least 15 feet apart.
      • Remove golf shoes or steel-toed boots.
      • If you’re out on the water, get to land.
      • If you’re in a pool, get out.

      Downed Power Lines

      • Stay at least 100 feet away
      • If the power line has fallen on your car while you’re in it, don’t touch anything metal in the car, and stay inside until professional help arrives.
      • Never try to help someone trapped by a power line. You endanger your own safety. Instead, call 911 immediately.

      Indoor Safety

      • Stay away from windows during strong winds. Tree limbs and other objects can be a hazard.
      • Electrical wiring attracts lightning. Don’t use the telephone, except for emergencies.
      • Lighting can move through a home’s plumbing, attracted to the metal or water.
      • Don’t use using sinks and showers.
      • Unplug computers, televisions and other delicate electronic equipment. Consider
      • attaching surge protectors to such equipment.

      Driving Safety

      • Don’t enter a dust storm if you can avoid it.
      • Turn headlights on and drive a slow and prudent speed.
      • If you pull off the road, get as far to the right as possible. 
      • Turn off the car and headlights, and set the parking brake. Keep your foot off the brake pedal – other drivers may think you’re a car is moving.

      In Rain

      • Rain reduces traction and causes streets to be slippery. Slow your speed accordingly.
      • Water on roads may be deeper than it looks. Watch for vehicles travelling too fast. They can throw up blinding sheets of water.
      • Don’t cross rain-swollen washes. You can be caught in a flash flood that can sweep you and your vehicle away.
      • Pay attention to hazard signs and roadblocks. Ignoring them threatens life and property, and can result in enforcement action by police.
      • Stuck in a wash:  It is possible to lose control of a vehicle in 6 inches of water. Most vehicles will begin to float in 2 feet of water.
      • If you have a phone, call 911.
      • If you can, climb onto the roof and wait to be rescued.
      • If the water is still low and you can wade to safety, do so, but beware of floating debris