Surprise mayor proclaims Monsoon Awareness Week

Surprise Mayor Skip Hall has proclaimed June 9 through 15 as Monsoon Awareness Week in Surprise and encourages residents to be prepared for this unpredictable and severe weather season.

Monsoon season is observed typically from June 15 through Sept. 30 and is characterized by an increase in thunderstorm and lightning activity, high winds, dust storms and flash floods.

While the severity of weather can vary each season, Surprise residents should have a monsoon safety plan and be ready for all possible weather-related occurrences.

Residents can download the My Surprise phone app to easily submit pictures and reports of downed trees, roadway debris, clogged storm drains, or other non-emergency situations.

These reports help the city with timely storm safety and recovery actions. The app is available in both the Apple and Android app stores, or at surpriseaz.gov/mysurprise.

Here are some tips and resources to help you and your family prepare for the upcoming Monsoon season:

At home: Staying indoors is the safest plan during a significant storm.

If you are at home, turn off all unnecessary power equipment to prevent damage from power surges or outages. Ensure your home has an emergency preparedness kit that includes flashlights, batteries, bottled water, non-perishable food items and first aid supplies.

While driving: Dust storms and heavy rain can decrease visibility and increase road hazards when driving.

Slow down if you are driving during a storm, and if necessary, pull off to the right side of the road as far as possible. Then turn off your engine and lights and take your foot off the brake pedal.

Never attempt to drive through flooded intersections or roadways. Even shallow flowing water has enough power to sweep a vehicle off the road or stall an engine. If you approach a flooded area, safely turn your vehicle around and find an alternate route.

Flash floods: Monitor weather reports and pay attention to flood alerts. Knowing where to find sand and sandbags is essential to protecting your home and family when flooding is imminent.

Sand and bags are provided free of charge to Surprise residents at multiple locations throughout the city, but you must bring your own shovel to fill the bags.

Visit surpriseaz.gov/Monsoon to find the closest sand and bag location.