WHEN IS MONSOON SEASON IN YUMA, ARIZONA?
Rain. Wind. Dust. Hail. Monsoon season has arrived, and it's a recurring weather phenomenon that requires preparation, regardless of your home's age. While the rain offers relief from the scorching Arizona summer, unprepared homeowners can face significant damage during these summer storms.
WHEN IS MONSOON SEASON IN YUMA, ARIZONA? The official Arizona monsoon season starts on June 15 and lasts until September 30. If you reside in the Yuma area, now is the time to take proactive measures and address potential vulnerabilities in your home to avoid costly repairs later on. Here are our top seven tips to prepare your home for the monsoon season. lightning monsoon striking over desert at sunset
ASSESS YOUR ROOF Few things are as unpleasant as waking up in the middle of the night to the sound of a leaky roof. Before the monsoon rains arrive, inspect your roof yourself or hire a professional to do it for you. Repair any cracks or holes and obtain recommendations for reliable roofers in case you need their assistance.
PROTECT PLANTS AND TREES Protect your plants and safeguard your home by preparing in advance. Trim any large tree branches that could break off and damage your roof. Secure young trees that may struggle during intense storms. Remember, the heavy monsoon rains that often precede strong winds can loosen the soil, making trees more susceptible to uprooting.
EVALUATE YOUR HOME'S DRAINAGE If you've noticed drainage issues in your yard that lead to water pooling during rainstorms, it's crucial to address them before the monsoon arrives. Consider hiring a landscaping company to implement a drainage solution that safeguards your yard and home against potential flooding.
SEAL ANY OPENINGS Drainage issues can not only affect the exterior of your home but also impact the interior. Seal any openings and cracks around the base of your home, as water can easily accumulate and find its way inside during a monsoon. Caulk cracks and use appropriate weather stripping for windows and doors, as strong winds can push water in. It's even advisable to use gap filler near your home's foundation to prevent mold and mildew issues.
INSTALL OR CLEAN YOUR RAIN GUTTERS AND DOWNSPOUTS Rain gutters and downspouts are essential for directing rainwater away from your home's foundation during monsoon microbursts or macrobursts. Don't wait until it's too late to ensure that yours are ready to perform their job effectively and divert rainwater away from your home.
FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH YOUR HOME'S ELECTRICAL PANEL During a power outage, the last thing you want is to stumble around in the dark because you're unfamiliar with the location of your breaker panel. It's important not only to know where it is but also to be acquainted with your home's electrical panel. Take the time to familiarize yourself with it and clearly label all your circuit breaker switches.
DECLUTTER YOUR GARAGE Now is the ideal time to enlist the help of your family and declutter that overcrowded garage. Parking your car on the street or driveway during monsoon storms can expose it to risks, such as flying branches and falling trees, which are common occurrences during severe weather. Create space in your garage to protect your car from flying objects, hail, rain, and wind.