Arizona Monsoon Season: How to Protect Your Home Before, During and After a Storm

Arizona’s monsoon season can bring much-needed rain, but it can also produce strong winds, blowing dust, lightning, flash flooding, power outages, and sudden property damage.

In our June Homeowner Safety Tips, we covered preparing for the start of monsoon season, along with important pool and heat-safety reminders. Now that we are in the middle of the season, July is a good time to take another look around your home, correct any problems that have surfaced, and make sure you are prepared for the next storm.

A little preparation now can help protect your home, reduce the risk of expensive repairs, and keep your household safer when the weather changes quickly.

Inspect Your Roof After Strong Winds

High winds can loosen, crack, or shift roof tiles, even when there is no obvious damage from the ground. Once a tile has moved, rain may be able to reach the underlayment and eventually enter the home.

After a major storm, safely inspect your property from the ground or hire a qualified roofing professional. Watch for:

• Missing, cracked, or displaced roof tiles
• Loose flashing around vents, chimneys, and skylights
• Debris collecting on flat-roof areas
• Water stains on ceilings or walls
• Damp or musty odors inside the home

Do not climb onto a wet or damaged roof. Roof tiles can be slippery and may crack underfoot.

Check Trees, Branches, and Outdoor Items

Monsoon winds can turn unsecured outdoor items into dangerous projectiles. Patio furniture, umbrellas, decorations, children’s toys, tools, and trash containers should be secured or brought indoors when storms are expected.

Inspect trees for dead, weak, or damaged branches that could fall onto your home, vehicle, fence, or utility lines. Trees should be trimmed properly, but avoid excessive pruning. Over-thinning a tree can sometimes make it less stable during strong winds.

Never attempt to remove a branch that is touching or close to a power line. Contact the utility provider or an appropriate professional.

Make Sure Water Can Drain Away From Your Home

Heavy rain can expose drainage problems that are easy to miss during Arizona’s dry months. Walk around your property after a storm and look for standing water near the foundation, patios, entryways, or exterior walls.

Check that:

• Gutters and downspouts are clear of debris
• Downspouts direct water away from the foundation
• Yard drains are open and working
• Soil has not eroded around the home
• Water is not pooling near doors, windows, or walls
• Exterior drainage paths are not blocked by landscaping, dirt, or debris

Water repeatedly collecting against a home can contribute to foundation concerns, stucco damage, leaks, and pest problems.

Prepare for Power Outages

Monsoon storms can interrupt electrical service with little warning. Keep a basic emergency supply kit in an easy-to-reach location.

Helpful items include:

• Flashlights and extra batteries
• Portable phone chargers
• Battery-operated weather radio
• Bottled water
• Nonperishable food
• Basic first-aid supplies
• Necessary medications
• Supplies for children and pets

Avoid using candles during an outage because they create an unnecessary fire risk.

It is also smart to keep refrigerators and freezers closed as much as possible until power is restored.

Protect Electronics and Major Appliances

Lightning and sudden power changes can damage televisions, computers, internet equipment, and other electronics. Quality surge protectors can provide added protection for smaller devices.

Homeowners may also want to discuss whole-home surge protection with a licensed electrician, especially if the property has expensive electronics, smart-home equipment, or major appliances that would be costly to replace.

During a severe electrical storm, unplugging sensitive electronics may provide additional protection when it can be done safely.

Stay Safe Around Dust Storms and Floodwater

Arizona dust storms can reduce visibility almost instantly. When conditions are severe, remain indoors, close windows and doors, and avoid unnecessary travel.

Never drive or walk through a flooded roadway or wash. Water depth can be difficult to judge, and flowing water can quickly move a person or vehicle. Arizona’s familiar warning remains the best advice: Turn Around, Don’t Drown.

Keep children and pets away from washes, drainage channels, and retention areas during and after storms. Water may move quickly, and these areas can remain dangerous even after the rain has stopped.

Inspect Your Home After Each Major Storm

Once conditions are safe, walk around the exterior and look for new damage. Take photographs of anything unusual, including roof damage, fallen branches, fence damage, water intrusion or damaged exterior surfaces.

Inside the home, check around windows, doors, ceilings, and exterior-facing walls for moisture. Addressing a small leak quickly may prevent mold, drywall damage, and more expensive repairs.

When damage is significant, contact your insurance provider and appropriate licensed professionals. Keep photographs, receipts, and notes documenting what occurred and any temporary steps taken to protect the property.

Review Your Homeowners Insurance Coverage

Homeowners should understand what their policy covers before damage occurs. Standard homeowners’ insurance may not cover every type of storm-related loss, particularly flooding caused by rising or surface water.

Review your policy, deductibles, and coverage limits, and speak directly with your insurance professional about questions regarding flood, wind, roof, personal property, or temporary living expense coverage.

Stay Prepared Throughout the Season

Monsoon preparation is not something homeowners should handle only once at the beginning of summer. Storms can create new problems throughout the season, so continue checking your roof, trees, drainage areas, and emergency supplies during July, August, and September.

Taking a few minutes to inspect your property after each major storm can help you catch small issues before they become larger, more expensive problems.

At Realty Network Group, we want to remain a helpful resource long after closing. Whether you are maintaining your current home, preparing for a future move, or looking for trusted local service providers, our team is always here to help.