Arizona's monsoon season officially kicks off Thursday, June 15 and while this year may be drier and hotter than normal thanks to an active winter storm season, it's always a good idea to be prepared.
Monsoon season can bring dust storms, flash floods, lightning and extreme heat so the Queen Creek Fire and Medical Department (QCFMD) wants to make sure residents protect themselves and their families by staying informed.
They're offering the following tips during a dust storm, reminding residents to pull aside – stay alive:
- Avoid driving into or through a dust storm.
- If you encounter a dust storm, immediately check traffic around your vehicle (front, back and to the side) and begin slowing down.
- Do not wait until poor visibility makes it difficult to safely pull off the roadway — do it as soon as possible. Completely exit the highway if you can.
- Do not stop in a travel lane or in the emergency lane. Look for a safe place to pull completely off the paved portion of the roadway.
- Turn off all vehicle lights, including your emergency flashers.
- Set your emergency brake and take your foot off the brake.
- Stay in the vehicle with your seat belts buckled and wait for the storm to pass.
- Drivers of high-profile vehicles should be especially aware of changing weather conditions and travel at reduced speeds.
Arizona’s monsoon season officially lasts June 15 through Sept. 30.
Sandbags are available at Fire Station 2, located at 24787 S. Sossaman Road. Remember to bring a shovel and only fill half full. Learn more here.
