Preventing Monsoon Damage: A Checklist

Property damage and injury can be caused by microbursts, high winds, flash flooding, lightning, and other hazards associated with monsoon storms.

Before the Monsoon

Prepare Your Home

Inspect the roof for damaged tiles, cracked flashing, brittle shingles, or other problems; make repairs before the season begins.
Clean and secure gutters, scuppers, and downspouts. Remove debris and check them periodically during the season.
Clear storm drains, washes, and other drainage paths around your property so water can flow away from your home.
Repair damaged weatherstripping or caulking around windows and exterior doors to help prevent wind-driven rain from entering.
Use surge protectors for sensitive electronics.
Prepare for power outages with flashlights and backup power banks for charging phones.

Prepare Your Yard and Property

Secure or move loose outdoor items, including patio furniture, umbrellas, yard decorations, garbage cans, tools, trampolines, and bounce houses.
Trim weak or dead tree limbs, particularly those near homes, driveways, chimneys, and electrical lines.
Remove dead or dying branches and dead wood from the landscape; trim trees where appropriate to reduce wind resistance.
Consider options for rainwater harvesting and stormwater management on your property to manage and reduce flood flows.
Obtain sandbags when appropriate; the City of Tucson operates a free sandbag program on a first come, first served basis.

Stay Informed and Plan Ahead

Sign up for local emergency phone, text, or email alerts.
Use a smartphone weather app that can automatically notify you about National Weather Service watches and warnings.
Know whether your property is in or near a floodplain or flood zone.
If your street or property has flooded during previous rain events, recognize that you may be at increased risk during future storms.
Consider flood insurance if appropriate.
Develop a household evacuation plan, particularly if your property is at risk from flooding or wildfire.

During Monsoon Storms

Stay Safe

Take lightning seriously and move indoors when thunderstorms approach.
Stay indoors during severe storms and avoid exposed areas, trees, and other potential hazards.
Never drive into a flooded roadway.
Never drive around barricades.
Never walk or play in moving floodwater.
Do not camp or park vehicles along or near streams, washes, or other areas that may flood.

After a Storm

Inspect your roof, windows, ceilings, and exterior walls for leaks or water damage within 24–48 hours.
Watch for signs of hidden moisture that could lead to mold or further damage.
Stay away from downed power lines and report them to the appropriate authorities.
Safely remove debris from your property, gutters, drains, and washes when conditions permit.
Document property damage with photographs for insurance purposes.

Prevent Electrical Hazards

Never use electrical appliances or touch electrical wires, switches, or fuses while wet or standing in water.
Keep electrical tools and equipment at least 10 feet away from wet surfaces.
Do not use electric yard tools while it is raining or when the ground is wet.

Additional Resources