American Red Cross wants you to stay safe during Monsoon 2020
[July 27, 2020: AZ Family] Monsoon storms bring rain, thunder, flooding and more in the hot temperatures here during the Arizona…
[July 27, 2020: AZ Family]
Monsoon storms bring rain, thunder, flooding and more in the hot temperatures here during the Arizona summers.
The moment you realize you may need assistance in a monsoon, can often be too late. To better prepare you, the Red Cross has some helpful tips so you can prevent the worst from happening.
Heavy rain and flood tips:
Turn around don’t drown! If you must drive and you encounter a flooded roadway, turn around and go another way.
If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground.
Tune in to your local radio, NOAA radio, or news channels for the latest updates.
If your neighborhood is prone to flooding, be prepared to evacuate quickly
Follow evacuation orders and do not attempt to return until officials say it is safe.
If power lines are down, do not step in puddles or standing water.
If power is out, use a flashlight. Do not use any open flame as alternate lighting.
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Prepare for a thunderstorm:
Put together an emergency kit.
Know your community’s evacuation plan.
Create a household disaster plan and practice it.
Purchase a battery-powered or hand-crank radio
Discuss thunderstorm safety with members of your household. Be aware that a thunderstorm could produce flooding.
Pick a safe place in your home for household members to gather during a thunderstorm. This should be a place where there are no windows, skylights, or glass doors, which could be broken by strong winds or hail and cause damage or injury.
The Red Cross recommends that you download its free Red Cross Emergency App so that you can get information about storms, shelter locations and other tips in real-time. You can find their app here.
Joseph Shavit
Science News Writer, Editor-At-Large and Publisher
Joseph Shavit, based in Los Angeles, is a seasoned science journalist, editor and co-founder of The Brighter Side of News, where he transforms complex discoveries into clear, engaging stories for general readers. With experience at major media groups like Times Mirror and Tribune, he writes with both authority and curiosity. His work spans astronomy, physics, quantum mechanics, climate change, artificial intelligence, health, and medicine. Known for linking breakthroughs to real-world markets, he highlights how research transitions into products and industries that shape daily life.