Catherine Schaeffer, DanSco Realty Group
We’re not in Kansas anymore, Toto.
In the Summer of 1993, when I first moved to Arizona from Washington, D.C., my children and I were sitting at the pool enjoying the opportunity to swim. As the kids were frolicking in the pool, I was looking over the roofs of the neighboring garden, apartment-style building wondering what that brown swirl cloud could possibly be. When, suddenly, a gentleman in one of the buildings came out on his patio and said, “Hey lady, you better get those kids out of the pool and into the house. Don’t you see that monsoon coming?” Well, needless to say, I was thankful that he said something, because a huge wall of dust hit within moments of getting the kids out of the pool and into the house.
Unlike other parts of the country, thunderstorm wind gusts here in the Southwest almost always exceed 40 mph. The strongest wind gusts can exceed 100 mph and can produce damage similar to a tornado! Anytime a thunderstorm approaches, no matter how weak it seems, move indoors to avoid flying debris. Winds rushing down from a thunderstorm can develop very quickly.
When a Severe Thunderstorm Warning/Monsoon Warning is in effect, it means damaging wind gusts of 60 mph or higher are occurring or likely. Therefore, before the monsoon season, it is a good idea to address a few things on the exterior of your home.
• Secure loose outdoor furniture and garbage cans or move them indoors. These are frequently blown around in our summer thunderstorms, even the weakest ones.
• Be sure to loosely stake newly planted, small, or leaning trees. Trim and thin mature tree branches to remove excess weight.
• Check seals around doors and replace weather stripping. Even small amounts of water can lead to warping and encourage the growth of mold and fungi. This can also minimize the amount of dust that gets inside your home.
• Check your roof and gutters. Make sure to inspect your roof for obvious signs of damage, and also make sure your gutters are clear of debris.
The reality is that while there are steps to be taken to get ready for monsoon season, these storms are unpredictable and can be extremely powerful. You can’t foresee or prevent all damage, but taking a few simple precautions could save you heartache and headache—and maybe a few dollars, too.
For more information, check out ein.az.gov/monsoon-awareness.
Catherine Schaeffer, DanSco Realty Group, [email protected], 480-650-3444