How to Prepare for a Monsoon
Monsoon Preparedness
A major downpour can cause major problems. Whether it’s monsoon season or climate change just sending you a terrible watery gift, a torrential rain can cause flooding and other hazards. Being prepared can lower your family’s risk of injury, death, or loss of property when it’s raining cats and dogs.
Monsoon Facts
Rainfall during big storms increased by more than 30% in the northern half of America over the last century.
In 2022, over 12,000 Kentuckians were without power for days due to heavy rain. 35 people died and more than 100 went missing.
If you live in the mountains, in a city with lots of pavement, or near a large storm drain, you might see flash floods near your home more often than others.
Locations with very high soil moisture (i.e. the Midwest) and very low soil moisture (i.e. deserts) also see more flash floods.
How to Prepare for a Monsoon
- Create a monsoon preparedness kit or purchase a prepackaged kit. Either way, make sure to maintain it.
- Check the weather! Heavy rain is usually in the forecast, so review what your family needs to do if the rain gets out of hand.
- Get flood insurance. Most homeowners insurance policies don’t cover flooding.
- Lightning is a killer. If you hear thunder, get inside. Remain indoors for at least 30 minutes after the last thunderclap you hear.
- Plan multiple evacuation routes in case roads are closed due to flooding.
- Make your emergency communication plan to keep in touch and reunite if you get separated.
- Stay calm if you’re in a car during a flash flood. If flood waters haven’t reached you yet, quickly exit and go to higher ground on foot. Cautiously drive toward high ground if water around the car is deeper than three inches. If any amount of water is moving quickly around your car, do not exit the car.
Determine Your Risk
Who’s most likely to have a monsoon emergency?
Track Your Area’s Rainfall
- While much of the US is affected by drought, some places are getting wetter. Check out historic precipitation extremes to see if your area has broken a rainfall record recently.
Check Your Risk By State
- States with monsoon patterns are:
- Arizona
- New Mexico
- Texas
- Colorado
- Utah
- Nevada
- California
Don’t Enter Floodwaters
Never drive or walk in flooded areas unless it’s an emergency. There are too many dangers to risk it. Turn around; don’t drown.
Don’t Slam on the Brakes
If your car skids on a wet road, take your foot off the gas and turn the wheel in the direction of the slide to straighten your car.
Don’t Forget your Stay Bag
Evacuation may not be necessary, but monsoons often have lengthy clean-ups, which could mean days at home without power.