Top Five Things You Need to Do To Get Ready for Monsoon Season

If you’ve been a resident of Arizona for at least a few years, you are familiar with the infamous monsoon season. It runs from June 15th to September 30th and brings with it the possibility of late afternoon-early evening thunderstorms. It’s a unique weather cycle driven by the hot Arizona temperatures. As a homeowner, the most important thing you can do as monsoon season nears is to get your house ready for it. Consider five things you should do each year before the monsoons hit.

1. Get Your Roof Checked and Repaired

It’s the number one mistake people make this time of year. A roof that is not in perfect shape is vulnerable to leaks and structural damage. Now’s the time to give the roof a professional tune-up. Fixing the little things each season reduces the risk of roof and foundation damage when a storm hits.

2. Gutters

Get gutters if you don’t have them already. If you do have them, clean them out. The gutters allow for water drainage off the roof. Without them, the water will pool in key areas, especially on the flat roofs that are popular in Arizona. Existing gutters tend to clog with debris. There are three common ways to clean them:

• The DIY method — Get a ladder and scoop out the debris
• Use a clever tool — there are plenty to choose from including ones that attach to hose or shop vacs
• Hire someone to do it for you

Whatever method you choose, it is worth having the gutters inspected once or twice a year, maybe before and after the monsoon season.

3. Label Your Circuit Breakers

It’s a task that often gets overlooked but worth the effort. If for some reason a monsoon trips a breaker, and they do that, you know what does what. Consider having a surge protector installed for the entire house, too, for added protection.

4. Stock Up on Everything

Flashlights, glow sticks, candles, matches, batteries, snack food, canned food — you get the idea. Make an emergency kit with everything you might need if you have to live without power for a few days. Add to your list a generator if you can get one. Make an emergency contact list and put it in the kit, as well. Include numbers for utilities, neighbors and the important people in your life.

5. Prune Shrubs and Trees

When the house is done, turn your attention to the yard. Cut off anything that encroaches on the house like branches hanging over the roof or car. Also, trim the more fragile trees and shrubs. For example, cut off the dead fronds on your palm tree. You’ll have less cleanup after the storm. The more you do before the storms hit the less you’ll have to worry about afterward. If, unfortunately, your house experiences damages from a monsoon storm, give us a call at 480-656-3999 or contact us today!