Be prepared before monsoons strike

The skies are not always sunny over Yuma.

Summer is the monsoon season and with it comes the risk of downpours and flash floods that can displace people. And the American Red Cross is reminding residents that preparation is the best defense against such disasters.

The monsoon season typically runs from mid-June to mid-August when the dew point gets to a certain level, said Lyn McDonough, partnership development specialist with the Grand Canyon chapter of the Red Cross.

Jack Boston, meteorologist with AccuWeather, explained that the dew point is rising air that cools to create 100 percent humidity and forms cumulus clouds, eventually forming clouds that cause afternoon and evening thunderstorms.

"We promote three things for any emergency: have a kit, make a plan and be informed," McDonough said during a recent visit to Yuma.

With monsoon season here, it can create large dust storms, high winds and a lot of rain in a short time, she said.

"If we break any records of rainfall, that's when it happens. Our ground can't absorb water quickly, so flash floods occur in streets, dry riverbeds and low-lying areas. That's when you really want to be aware of where you are."

Late-afternoon high winds and dust will impair visibility, especially for motorists, and also uproot trees, lift roofs off homes and down power lines, she said.

McDonough recalled she once experienced lawn furniture scattered into her pool and a tree crashing through her roof.

She strongly recommends residents put a kit together to be comfortable for a couple of days to take care of family and pets. A kit ought to include first aid items, important documents (deed and insurance records), prescription medicines, flashlight, a battery-powered radio and pet food.

Proper preparation also includes a plan to meet family members in case residents are ordered to evacuate their homes. People need a common place to meet and a common contact who is outside the disaster area so they may all regroup after an emergency.

"My daughter and I plan to meet at Denny's Restaurant," McDonough said. "That's one of the first things Red Cross does when we set up shelters - we help families find one another."

Families also need to stay informed by listening to weather forecasts as well as news reports of floods, chemical spills, hostage situations or home fires, the most typical reason people are ordered to evacuate.

"We have an online program to handle emergencies, called Masters of Disaster, on the Web site, www.arizonaredcross.org, and you click on the link and it takes you to our free safety course."

According to Tracey Kiest, of Red Cross's Grand Canyon chapter, Yuma had 16 emergency incidents through the first five months of this year. The Red Cross offered shelter to 28 families that included 71 individuals, while providing $9,116 in direct assistance.

"Every summer we set up shelters throughout Arizona because of severe damage to houses due to electrical or structural damage," McDonough said. "Red Cross provides a safe, cool place to stay in the summer. We especially look out for children and the elderly who are not as prepared to handle the heat."

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William Roller can be reached at
wroller@yumasun.com or 539-6858.