With monsoon season upon us, we all need to be prepared and aware of the dangers that the rain can bring. Is your family ready? Here are some monsoon season safety tips and ideas to help you get started.
- Sign up for local weather alerts. To stay ahead of the storm, you can get text messages alerting you to an incoming inclement weather system. If you’re out and about, you’ll need something to let you know about potentially dangerous weather.
- Have a disaster kit. The Red Cross suggests a three day food supply for each person in your home — that’s a lot! Remember little things like can openers, plastic bags, candles, matches, etc. Be prepared for power outages, too — you may not be able to count on having a frozen stash of food.
- Talk to your kids. That flooded wash looks like a nature-made splash pad to a kid. Make sure you explain the power of water and how easy it is to be knocked off your feet.
- Be flood ready. Have an evacuation plan if you live in a flood-prone area, and decide where the nearest high ground may be. Be prepared with sandbags if necessary.
- Turn around, don’t drown! Exercise smart driving during a monsoon. A mere six inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult. It takes only two feet of rushing water to carry away most vehicles.
Stay safe out there, East Valley!
