What can you do to protect your home during the Arizona summer? Not just the heat, but also monsoons, wildfires and flash floods.Monsoons: This brings high winds, temperatures and high moisture. Arizona monsoon officially began after the third consecutive day of dew points above 55 degrees. June 15 is the official start date for Monsoon and ending onSeptember 30th. These storms range from small dust storms to violent thunderstorms and can be very dangerous. Some even result in tornadoes, though very rare. Monsoons start with heavy winds, which can build up a wall of dust hundreds of fee high, and cover the entire Valley. After the dust passes through, a rain or heavy downpour with thunder and lightning follows along. Monsoon rains average approximately a third of our yearly rainfall.
Protecting Your Home: Make sure everything outside your home is securely fastened, including umbrellas, pool floats, patio furniture, etc. Because the rain pours down so quickly, the local drainage may not be able to handle, and could cause flooding in some areas.
Preventative Action:
1. Find contractors that are reliable, such as roofer and HVAC repair services.
2. Trim all trees prior to Monsoon, the wind will cause tree limbs to break and possibly fall on your home.
3. Install whole-house surge protectors to save your TVs and AC unit from large electrical surges.
4. Check your ductwork for leaks. Dust will enter through your attic vents, and into the leaky ductwork. Your allergies will thank you.
5. Check your shingles or tiles and and secure the loose ones.
6. Change your air filters frequently, and have your condensate drain line cleared once a year.
Wildfires: An average of 5 million acres burns every year in the United States, causing millions of dollars in damage. Once a fire begins, it can spread at a rate of up to 14.29 miles per hour (23 kph), consuming everything in its path. As a fire spreads over brush and trees, it may take on a life of its own — finding ways to keep itself alive, even spawning smaller fires by throwing embers miles away. Even though AZ isn’t necessarily wilderness, being prepared is always smart.
Preventative Action:
1. Landscaping – minimizing risk by using stone instead of mulch, plant native vegetation, keep vegetation well watered, remove all dead leaves and brush, store any firewood (yes it does get cold enough in the winter to burn wood in our fireplaces). Locate propane tanks at least 30 feet from any structure, keep gutters and roof valleys free of debris.
2. When building, if you have a choice, select fire-resistant roofing and siding material for your home.
3. Have an exit strategy out of the neighborhood in case of wildfire.
Flash Floods: Flash floods are most common in Monsoon conditions, particularly in desert climates. They usually occur when high amounts of rain fall over a short period of time. In Arizona, the city of Phoenix is known for flash floods, which can be very dangerous for families and pets, making it impossible to drive and risky to be out in the floods.
Safety First:
1. Awareness of current conditions is your best defense. Radio and Television will help with warnings.
2. Stay in your home.
3. Don’t drive in flooded areas. Areas are marked if on the streets when the flood occurs. Don’t drive through any water over six inches.
4. Don’t go near electrical wires. During flash floods, this can be very dangerous and can result in electrocution.
Be cautious, and this will provide you with the best chance at reacting properly.
We love our storms, but if you are selling your home, ensure your home has been weatherproofed. This will keep you home safe and add value to your sale. If you would like to have us view your home or refer a home inspection, please feel free to contact us.
