YUMA, Arizona- The Yuma Fire Department would like to remind residents that even if some of them do not have to deal with exterior activities, heat and humidity are still active on this region, since Monsoon Season is still on.
In a press release Mike Erfert, Public Information Officer with the City of Yuma Fire Department said “We are now well into “Monsoon Season” here in the desert southwest (officially June 15-Sept. 30, according to the National Weather Service). As we are coming to the end of July, August (especially late August) seems to be one of the most active monsoon months here in Yuma. Some of the weather-related hazards that could be encountered are Flash Floods, Lightening, Downburst Winds, Blowing Dust, and Excessive Heat. Sudden and intense storms can also down power lines and cause power outages.”
In the announcement, Erfert questions; Are you prepared? Do you have a plan of what you will do if its 115 and your power is out? Do you have a family member or friend in another neighborhood you can visit until power is restored? Can they visit you? Will you check on neighbors who might need help? Monsoon storms affect traffic safety, what if you are driving when a storm hits? Have you checked your windshield wiper blades? Do they need replacement? What do you do in a dust storm? What about flash floods, do you know not to drive thru flooded roadways?
Here is a link to some other Monsoon Safety tips from the National Weather Service, Erfert shared: https://www.weather.gov/psr/MonsoonSafety
For more information about fire and injury prevention classes available, contact the Yuma Fire Department Public Information Office at 373-4855, you can also “Follow” them at www.twitter.com/YumaFireDept.