Page 4 - Ft. Huachuca Scout 6-26-15

4A The Scout
Monsoon season is here — use caution when going outdoors
Fort Huachuca Safety Team
Each year, a variety of weather-relat-
ed dangers affect the desert southwest
during a period of time known as mon-
soon season. According to monsoon-
safety.org, June 15 through Sept. 30 is
defined as “The Monsoon.”
Monsoons are not limited to light-
ning, flash floods and haboobs, but the
preceding extreme heat, sudden down-
burst winds, and even wildfires have
been associated with this period of
weather. Monsoon rains typically begin
around 4th of July weekend. The follow-
ing tips and recommendations are based
on trends observed in this region in the
last few years.
On average, more than 1.5 million
lightning strikes occur in Arizona and
New Mexico each year. This accounts
for over 15 percent of all lightning
strikes in the lower 48 states. If you see
lightning, seek shelter.
Thunderstorms develop quickly.
Don’t wait to seek shelter.
Plan ahead. Keep apprised of chang-
ing weather conditions by checking
forecasts on TV or Internet weather
sites. Listen to a weather radio or local
radio stations. Subscribe to lightning
FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015
and severe weather notifications on MIKE WILLIAMS
your smartphone. Water races across the road near the Bonnie Blink housing area on post during a monsoon storm
last summer. Before crossing, be sure your vehicle has the clearance to make it through a wash
Turn around — don’t drown. Driv- if it has water in it.
ing around barricades is not only ille-
gal, but dangerous. the accident risks increase. storm approaches, go to a nearby large
When thunder roars, go indoors. substantial building or fully-enclosed
Roadbeds may be washed out under metal-top vehicle. Bring pets indoors
floodwaters. Be sure your vehicle has When one can hear thunder the person is — lightning and thunder are scary to
the clearance to make it through a wash close enough to be struck by lightning. animals who are likely to panic and run
if it has water in it. Drivers who cross away during storms.
a wash during monsoon and become If there’s a lightning risk, unplug
stranded requiring rescue efforts may electronics, wait to use any plumbing There is a chance of hail and frozen
be subject to fines and may even be li- such as sinks, showers or toilets, and use rain falling from the sky during an intense
able to pay for their own rescue. When cordless phones or cell phones. monsoon. Keep everyone safe by taking
in doubt, wait it out or find a safer route. precautions during monsoon season.
No place outside is safe from light-
Do not allow children or pets to play ning during a thunderstorm. When a
around storm drains or washes after a
heavy rain.
If it’s raining in the distance, a driver
could be at risk for a flash flood.
Power outages are frequent during
thunderstorms. Prepare accordingly
with battery-operated radios, flashlights,
and any medical equipment. Don’t for-
get to keep extra batteries on hand.
When tires encounter more water
than they can scatter, it can cause hy-
droplaning. When it’s raining, slow
down. Within the first 10 minutes after
the rain starts, water can mix with the
oils on the surface of the road making
them very slick. When the rains come