Here in Arizona, we are officially (as of June 15th) in Monsoon (rainy season). A clear, hot day can quickly turn violent as monsoon storms sweep into the metropolitan areas of Phoenix and Tucson. High winds and blowing dust can knock visibility down to mere feet and send dangerous debris flying through the air. After the winds can come very heavy rain, hail, thunder, and our beautiful, but oh so treacherous lightning.
Beautiful as these storms can be (I love sitting on the porch watching them and photographing the lightning and clouds), and as much as we need the rain they provide, there are many issues that can arise as a result of them.
Common problems:
- traffic accidents
- downed power lines & poles
- fires from lightning strikes and power lines
- widespread power outages
- Flash floods
Are you prepared to survive these incidents?
If driving in a bad dust storm, drive slowly and steadily, pull off the road to the shoulder when safe to do so. Put your vehicle in park and shut off your lights. Keep your foot off the brakes too. Many drivers attempt to follow the faint glow of the tailights in front of them. If you are stopped with tailights on, your car just became a magnet for the car behind it. Ensure that you do not pull off into a wash or flash flood zone (typically well posted on Arizona roads).
At home you should have ample supplies to remain comfortable for an extended power outage (2-3 days)...
Flashlight in each room & hallway
A box of candles
Sufficient food and medication for a few days
At least 1gal of water per person per day... You will drink more if the power is out as you will have no air conditioning.
A couple of bags of ice in freezer, which can be moved to well-insulated coolers with perishable foods.
Gas or charcoal for your outside barbeque for cooking.
Battery powered radio with weather band
Battery TV?
Extra batteries
At least 1 old fashioned, corded phone that does not require power beyondthat supplied by the phone jack.
Fully charged cell phones AND car/auto chargers for them
Extra batteries
More water
More batteries
Matches / lighter
Board / card games or puzzles for entertainment
Beautiful as these storms can be (I love sitting on the porch watching them and photographing the lightning and clouds), and as much as we need the rain they provide, there are many issues that can arise as a result of them.
Common problems:
- traffic accidents
- downed power lines & poles
- fires from lightning strikes and power lines
- widespread power outages
- Flash floods
Are you prepared to survive these incidents?
If driving in a bad dust storm, drive slowly and steadily, pull off the road to the shoulder when safe to do so. Put your vehicle in park and shut off your lights. Keep your foot off the brakes too. Many drivers attempt to follow the faint glow of the tailights in front of them. If you are stopped with tailights on, your car just became a magnet for the car behind it. Ensure that you do not pull off into a wash or flash flood zone (typically well posted on Arizona roads).
At home you should have ample supplies to remain comfortable for an extended power outage (2-3 days)...
Flashlight in each room & hallway
A box of candles
Sufficient food and medication for a few days
At least 1gal of water per person per day... You will drink more if the power is out as you will have no air conditioning.
A couple of bags of ice in freezer, which can be moved to well-insulated coolers with perishable foods.
Gas or charcoal for your outside barbeque for cooking.
Battery powered radio with weather band
Battery TV?
Extra batteries
At least 1 old fashioned, corded phone that does not require power beyondthat supplied by the phone jack.
Fully charged cell phones AND car/auto chargers for them
Extra batteries
More water
More batteries
Matches / lighter
Board / card games or puzzles for entertainment
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