Monsoon Safety Tips From the American Red Cross

Before the Storm Strikes, Know What to Expect...

• Keep an eye on the sky. Look for darkening skies, flashes of light, or increasing wind. Listen for the sound of thunder.

• If it has been raining hard for several hours, be alert to the possibility of a flood.

• If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning. Go to safe shelter immediately.

• Listen to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for the latest weather forecasts.

When a Storm Approaches...

• Find shelter in a building or car. Keep car windows closed.

• Telephone lines and metal pipes can conduct electricity. Unplug appliances. Avoid using the telephone or any electrical appliances. (Leaving electric lights on, however, does not increase the chances of your home being struck by lightning.)

• Draw blinds and shades over windows. If windows break due to objects blown by the wind, the shades will prevent glass from shattering into your home.

If Caught Outside...

• If you are in the wilderness or forest area, take shelter under the shorter trees.

• If you are boating or swimming, get to land and find shelter immediately!

In the Event of a Power Outage...

• Only use a flashlight for emergency lighting. Never use candles!

• Turn off electrical equipment you were using when the power went out.

• Avoid opening the refrigerator and freezer.

• Do not run a generator inside a home or garage.

If Someone is Struck by Lightning...

• People struck by lightning carry no electrical charge and can be handled safely.

• Call for help. Get someone to dial 9-1-1 or your local Emergency Medical Services number.

• The injured person has received an electrical shock and may be burned, both where they were struck and where the electricity left their body. Check for burns in both places. Being struck by lightning can also cause nervous system damage, broken bones, and loss of hearing or eyesight.

• Give First Aid. If breathing has stopped, a trained person should begin rescue breathing. If the heart has stopped beating, a trained person should give CPR. If the person has a pulse and is breathing, look and care for other possible injuries.

Flash Floods Take Only a Few Minutes to Develop...

• A flash flood WATCH means flash flooding is possible in your area.

• A flash flood WARNING means a flash flood is occurring or will occur very soon.

• If driving through a flooded area – DO NOT try to cross washes with water in them.

• If your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground.

When a Flood WATCH Is Issued...

• Move your furniture and valuables to higher floors of your home.

• Fill your car’s gas tank, in case an evacuation notice is issued.

• Be alert to signs of flash flooding and be ready to evacuate on a moment's notice. When a Flood WARNING Is Issued...

• Listen to local radio and TV stations for information and advice.

If told to evacuate, do so as soon as possible. Or if you think it has already started, evacuate immediately. You may have only seconds to escape. Act quickly!

• Move to higher ground away from rivers, streams, creeks, and storm drains. Do not drive around barricades … they are there for your safety.

After the Storm Passes...

• Stay away from storm-damaged areas.

• Listen to the radio and watch TV for information and instructions.

Prepare NOW for any type of disaster...

• Build a disaster supplies kit

• Have a family disaster plan

• Be informed and get trained in CPR and First Aid

For more information about preparedness or to sign up for a class, contact your local Red Cross at (602) 336-6660 or visit www.arizonaredcross.org.