As the monsoon season approaches, so does the risk of flooding. The Arizona monsoon season starts on June 15th and ends on September 30th.

Monsoon thunderstorms typically produce half of the yearly precipitation for central and northern Arizona, and as a result, can cause severe damage and a sudden onset of flooding, commonly known as Flash Flooding.

The Yavapai County Office of Emergency Management (YCOEM) and Yavapai County Flood Control District (YCFCD) would like to remind residents to take measures to prepare themselves and their homes for a flooding event, especially if they live in a FEMA-designated flood zone or an area prone to flooding.

Sandbags can help protect your home against major floodwater damage

Residents of Yavapai County can fill sandbags for free at any of the 23 sandbag-filling locations around the county. Remember to bring your own shovel to the sandbag filling stations, as they are not provided. To find the nearest sandbag filling station, visit www.YavapaiReady.gov/Sandbags.

Other ways to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your home include:

• Putting together an Emergency Kit for yourself, your family, and pets.
• Clean out gutters, maintain trees around the home, and inspect and/or repair your roof.
• Find out if your home is in a flood zone by going www.YavapaiAZ.gov/ycflood.
• Never attempt to drive through a flooded roadway. Turn Around, Don’t Drown.
• Stay tuned to local news and weather for alerts and updates.

Understanding common flood and weather terminology is vital to know what actions, if any, you should take:

• Flood Advisory: Be Aware – Flood advisories are issued when flooding is expected, but not bad enough to issue a flood warning. The flooding may cause a significant inconvenience and if caution is not used, it could lead to situations that may threaten life and/or property.
• Flood Watch: Be Prepared – A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. Flooding may or may not occur, but it is possible.
• Flood Warning: Take Action! – A Flood Warning is Issued when flooding is imminent or occurring.
• Flash Flood: A Flash Flood is a sudden violent flood that can take minutes to hours to develop. It is possible to experience a Flash Flood in areas not immediately receiving rain.

For more flooding preparedness information and tips, visit www.YavapaiReady.gov/flood.

To find more information on FEMA-designated flood zones and flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), visit www.YavapaiAZ.gov/ycflood.

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The post Monsoon Season Essential Preparedness Measures first appeared on Signals AZ.

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