Are You Prepared for Arizona’s Monsoon Season?
Arizona’s monsoon season – June 15 through September 30 – brings summer thunderstorms that often strike suddenly and with violent force. High winds, lightning strikes, torrential rain, dust storms, extreme heat, and the occasional microburst are all par for the course during “the monsoon.”
Since 1995, these weather patterns have resulted in tens of millions of dollars of damage each year, according to www.monsoonsafety.org. Taking the following precautionary actions can help ensure an unremarkable monsoon season for you and your family, as well as minimize potential property losses.
Check Your Garage Door
The durability of your garage door is vital. Not taking your garage door’s wind resistance into consideration could spell big trouble. Garage doors are rated for their ability to withstand various wind speeds. You should consider these ratings when shopping for a new garage door. It’s also important to make sure the door is operational. If it’s malfunctioning or damaged, contact a local garage door repair professional.
Make Room in the Garage
If you haven’t already done so, now is the perfect time clear out that over-stuffed garage, making room for your vehicles. Parking your car in the garage provides much-needed peace-of-mind during a storm. This also allows you the opportunity to get any personal belongings off the floor, out of cardboard boxes and stored safely on shelving units so that if any water penetrates the garage, they’re protected.
Clean Out Rain Gutters
You’ve heard the message a thousand times, but there’s good reason – gutters direct water away from the perimeter of your home. Clogged gutters or downspouts can result in damage to your home’s paint, siding, and roofing. Additionally, over time, water can compromise the structural integrity of your home. Don’t wait until it’s too late to clean your gutters. Clear out debris once in the fall and again in the spring.
Prepare Your Landscaping
Trim any large trees that are near your home. Branches should be kept 10 feet away from your roof to prevent damage. Stake down any young, immature trees to protect them from damaging winds and waterlogged soil. Take care to bring anything that can cause more damage (e.g., toys, container plants, lawn furniture, wind chimes, bird feeders, grills, etc.) inside.
