By city of Surprise
Surprise Mayor Kevin Sartor has proclaimed June 8 to 15 as Monsoon Awareness Week in Surprise as the annual season begins.
The mayor encouraged all residents to be prepared for this unpredictable and severe weather season.
The monsoon season is typically observed from June 15 through Sept. 30.
It often brings increased thunderstorm and lightning activity and the possibility of high winds, dust storms and flash floods. While the severity of weather can vary each season, Surprise residents should have a monsoon safety plan.
The city encouraged residents to download the My Surprise phone app, which allows them to easily submit pictures and reports of downed trees, roadway debris, clogged storm drains or other non-emergency situations.
These reports help the city with timely storm recovery actions. The app is available in both the Apple and Android stores or at surpriseaz.gov/MySurprise.
The following are some monsoon season preparation tips:
• Staying indoors is the safest plan during a significant storm. Turn off all unnecessary power equipment to prevent damage from power surges or outages.
• Ensure the home has an emergency preparedness kit that includes flashlights, batteries, bottled water, non-perishable food items and first-aid supplies.
• While driving, dust storms and heavy rain can decrease visibility and increase road hazards. Slow down, and if necessary, pull off to the right side of the road as far as possible. Then turn off the engine and lights and take foot off the brake pedal.
Never attempt to drive through flooded intersections or roadways. Even shallow flowing water has enough power to sweep a vehicle off the road or stall an engine. If approaching a flooded area, safely turn the vehicle around and find an alternate route.
Monitor weather reports and pay attention to flood alerts. Knowing where to find sand and sandbags is essential to protecting a home and family when flooding is imminent.
Sand and bags are provided free to Surprise residents at multiple locations throughout the city, but bring shovels to fill the bags.
Visit surpriseaz.gov/Monsoon to find the closest sand and bag location.
