Getting Your Home Ready for Monsoon Season: Your Easy-to-Follow Guide

Hey there! So, monsoon season is just around the corner, and it's time to get ready for all the heavy rain and wind it's going to bring. But don't worry, it's not just about surviving the storm, it's also about making sure your family and home are safe and sound. This handy guide will walk you through all the steps you need to take to get your home ready for the monsoon season, both inside and out, and how to stay aware of what's happening in your community and the environment.

Let's Start with the Outside

When monsoon season rolls in, the outside of your home is the first thing that's going to face the storm. So, here's what you need to do:

• Clean Those Gutters and Downspouts: Start off by checking your gutters and downspouts and giving them a good clean. They can get blocked up with all sorts of junk, which can cause water damage if the water can't flow properly. So, get rid of any gunk in there.
• Fix Up the Roof: Next, check out your roof. If you've got any loose or missing shingles, you'll want to get those fixed up to avoid leaks when the heavy rain hits. Regular checks and repairs can save you a lot of hassle and money in the long run.
• Trim Your Trees and Bushes: During a monsoon, strong winds can break off tree branches and cause damage to your property. So make sure to trim any trees and bushes near your house.
• Secure Your Outdoor Stuff: Things like outdoor furniture and decorations can get blown around in high winds and cause damage. So make sure they're secure, or better yet, bring them inside.
• Seal Your Doors and Windows: Finally, don't forget to check the seals around your doors and windows to stop water from getting in and messing up your home's interior.

Moving on to the Inside

While the outside of your house is going to take the brunt of the storm, preparing the inside is also super important for your comfort and safety.

• Pack an Emergency Kit: One of the first things you should do is get an emergency kit ready. You'll want to include things like flashlights, batteries, first aid supplies, water, and non-perishable food. Trust me, you'll be glad you have it if there's a big storm or power outage.
• Check Your Insurance: Monsoons can cause a lot of unexpected damage, so make sure your homeowner's insurance covers flood and storm damage.
• Make an Emergency Plan: In an emergency, you've got to act fast. So, come up with an emergency plan with your family and practice it. Make sure you include things like evacuation routes and emergency contacts.
• Stay Informed: Keep an eye on the weather reports and sign up for local emergency alerts so you know what's going on.
• Get Ready for Power Outages: Power often goes out during monsoons, so having backup power sources like generators or battery packs can keep your essentials running.

Know Your Community and Environment

Knowing what's happening in your community and environment can really help keep you safe during monsoon season.

• Get to Know Your Flood Zones: Find out where the flood zones are in your area and what risks they pose. This can help you be ready and respond correctly when the heavy rain starts.
• Understand Your Local Weather: Monsoon storms can vary a lot in intensity from year to year. For example, during a particularly bad storm, over 71,200 Salt River Project (SRP) customers lost power all at once. On average, Phoenix gets about 23 rainy days during monsoon season, with a total of around 4.20 inches of rain from mid-June to the end of September.

Wrapping Up

Getting ready for monsoon season takes some planning and action, but by understanding your local environment and taking the steps to prepare your home, both inside and out, you can make sure your family and home are safe. Remember, the key is to start preparing now.