Staying Safe During Monsoon Storms

Storms are expected throughout Arizona during this time of year, including the Phoenix metro area. Here are some important safety tips.

  1. Stay informed about outages – sign up for outage alerts:

SRP: https://www.srpnet.com/safety/outage/outagealerts.aspx

APS: https://www.aps.com/en/residential/accountservices/alerts/Pages/home.aspx

  1. Create a storm safety kit
    • First-aid kit: Be sure to include prescription medications. Make sure items in the first-aid kit are in usable condition.
    • Flashlights: Ensure the batteries are good. Do not use candles as they can cause a fire.
    • Battery-powered phone charger to keep your mobile phone charged.
    • Bottled water – have at least 1 gallon per person per day.
    • Coolers or ice chests – to keep the food in your fridge from spoiling.
  1. Around Your Home
    • Install surge protectors to safeguard electronic equipment.
    • Know where to find each utility shutoff — electricity, water and gas and how to turn each off.
    • If you have an automatic garage door, know how to open the door manually (without power).
  1. During an outage – if an outage does occur, follow these important tips:
    • Turn off all major appliances, including your computer, air conditioner, TV, and dishwasher. This will help the power company restore power more quickly while protecting your equipment from circuit overloads when power returns.
    • Turn off all lights except one to indicate when the power has been restored. When power is restored, wait a few minutes before turning on lights and appliances.
    • For an extended outage, find the nearest heat relief station.
  1. Important Storm Safety Tips Outdoors – while the best way to stay safe during a storm or outage is to stay in your home, here are some tips if you find yourself outdoors during a storm:
    • Don’t drive if you can avoid it. If you must drive be careful at intersections as traffic lights may be out.
    • Stop at all railroad crossings, as the barriers may not be working.
    • Downed Power Lines – stay at least 100 feet away. Electricity can travel through the ground and through water. DO NOT touch downed power lines or try to move them. Call 911 to report the locations of downed power lines.
    • If a power line hits your car while you are in it, stay inside the car until professional help arrives. If your vehicle catches fire and you must leave it, avoid making contact with the vehicle and the ground at the same time. Jump from the vehicle, landing with both feet together.
    • Do not swim during a storm. Lightning can strike bodies of water.