Mesa asks all to be monsoon ready

Summer ushers in the season of storms, when a monsoon may start quickly and lead to downed power lines and trees, power outages and flooded streets in a matter of minutes. The elderly and homebound individuals are among the most vulnerable during the monsoon. Mesa reminds residents to check on those living near you to make sure they stay safe.

“Neighbors can serve as the first line of assistance to those most vulnerable during monsoon season,” Mesa Fire Chief Mary Cameli said in a release. “Getting to know your neighbors and helping each other out with basic needs during and after a monsoon storm helps our first responders focus their efforts on lifesaving and priority response.”

You can help your older and homebound neighbors by making sure they have sandbags and other supplies available. Also, check to see if they have a backup source for power for medical equipment requiring it or a way to keep refrigerated prescriptions cool during a power outage, the release states.

All Mesa residents are encouraged to have an evacuation plan for the most severe instances and have a disaster kit with water, nonperishable food, flashlights, batteries, medications and first aid supplies. Pet owners should also have a disaster kit for their four-legged friends. Mesa also encourages its residents to stay updated on current weather forecasts.

Sand and empty bags are available at the following locations (bring your own shovel):

• Fire Station 202, 830 S. Stapley Drive
• Fire Station 205, 730 S. Greenfield Road
• Fire Station 209, 7035 E. Southern Ave.
• Fire Station 212, 2430 E. Ellsworth Road

The Mesa Transportation Department has pre-filled sandbags at the following locations:

Transportation Building, 300 E. Sixth St. (west side of building)
East Mesa Service Center, 6935 E. Decatur St. (front parking lot)

For additional storm preparation information and a list of contact numbers, go to https://mesaaz.gov/storm .

The city of Mesa also uses Twitter and Facebook to provide updates related to emergency situations. Follow the city on Twitter @cityofmesa and on Facebook at @CityofMesa.