Arizona’s monsoon is in full swing —how to prepare if you haven’t already

Vince Perez-Mazzola

Submitted photo

Arizona’s monsoon season can’t be tamed, but it can be prepared for. Smart planning, the correct gear and the right training make all the difference.”

Monsoon season is dramatic, disruptive and unpredictable. Every summer, the Arizona skies darken and storms roll in bringing walls of dust, sheets of rain, violent thunder, flash floods and widespread power outages.

Arizona’s most active time for monsoons is typically mid-July to mid-August, but this year it started later, so here’s every household should keep in mind as the storms continue to roll in:

Check your disaster bag

When a storm strikes, there’s rarely time to scramble. Every household should have a well-stocked disaster bag that supports each family member for at least three days, the minimum recommended by the Arizona Department of Health Services. Essentials include:

• One gallon of water per person per day for three days
• Non-perishable food
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First-aid kit and necessary medications
• Cell phone charger or power bank
• Blankets or sleeping bags
• Sanitation supplies such as wipes, hand sanitizer and trash bags
• Any special items for babies, elderly family members or pets

What to do if you lose power

Monsoon winds, lightning and falling debris regularly knock out entire neighborhoods. Power may be out for hours, sometimes longer. When the lights go out:

• Unplug electronics and turn off most lights (leave one on to signal when power returns)
• Keep refrigerators and freezers closed to preserve food
• Stay hydrated and move to the coolest part of your home
• Use battery-powered lamps instead of candles to prevent fire risk

How to stay safe outdoors

Monsoon storms often strike with little warning, turning a commute or a hike into a dangerous scenario.

• If lightning is near: Seek immediate shelter in an enclosed structure or a hard-topped vehicle. If no enclosed shelter is available, move to the lowest point available, like a ditch or low spot in a field. Stay away from trees, metal objects and bodies of water. Crouch down with your feet together, tuck your head and cover your ears. For a full range of safety tips, visit the National Weather Service’s lightning safety
• If driving: Never enter flooded roadways, and avoid underpasses. Six inches of moving water can sweep a car away.
• If caught in a dust storm: Pull fully off the road, turn your lights off and keep your seatbelt on until it clears.

First aid saves lives

Storm damage can delay first responders. In those critical minutes, your skills matter most.

Consider taking a disaster or medical training course with organizations like C2 Tactical.Every household should:

•  Keep a first-aid kit stocked and checked regularly.
• Learn bleeding control techniques and how to stabilize injuries.
• Carry gloves, bandages, gauze, antiseptic and trauma supplies.

Preparedness is more than precaution. It’s a responsibility to your family and community.

Building confidence for any crisis

Arizona’s monsoon season can’t be tamed, but it can be prepared for. Smart planning, the correct gear and the right training make all the difference.

Take time to prepare now, if you haven’t already. With the right skills and mindset, storms will remain a temporary inconvenience — not a life-changing event.

Editor’s note: Vince Perez-Mazzola is the director of training at C2 Tactical, which has locations in Scottsdale and Tempe. Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters or email them to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.