Rain Isn’t the Only Damaging Element of Arizona Monsoons

6/24/2022 (Permalink)

Monsoons have officially arrived in Arizona! Whether you love the dramatic rainfall that storms bring, or dread the weather change this time of year, one thing is for sure: monsoons can bring damage to both homes and businesses. While most assume the torrential rain is the main threat of monsoons, the season is actually a trifecta of potential dangers: water, wind, and fire.

What are monsoons in Arizona?

From light sprinkles to high winds to dust storms to lightening, monsoons can bring the whole package Typically, the monsoon season in Arizona lasts between the months of June and September, bringing us our cool relief in the hot summer months. The long-term average rainfall in the state is 5.37 inches. As the monsoon arrives an increased threat of lightning comes with it. Lightning, accompanied by little rainfall, start many fires each year in homes, buildings, and outdoor areas. According to the NFPA (National Fire Protection Agency) lightning causes over 22,000 fires each year. The Insurance Information Institute states that lightning strikes cost roughly $900 million in homeowner’s insurance losses each year. That is JUST lightning strikes! Add in damage from strong winds and water from torrential rains and you can imagine the damage experienced during monsoon season.

How to protect your home from storm damage

There are some steps you can take to protect your home from water, wind, and lightning strikes:

• Use a home lightning protection system. This can include lightning rods, main conductors, grounds, bonds, or surge protectors.
• Unplug electronics and appliances.
• Install surge protectors/surge suppressors.
• Be sure to check your insurance policy to make sure you have coverage for damage caused by lightning.
• Have your roof checked prior to monsoon season to ensure there are no loose tiles that can be impacted by wind or weak areas that can let rain in
• Bring lawn furniture and other items inside that could be picked up by heavy winds and strike the house
• Check that the seals on your doors and windows are moisture-proof
• Be sure your exterior landscaping pitches away from the house
• Clear rain gutters

What to do if your home experiences storm-related damage

After any storm damage situation, your primary focus should be safety first. Once the pros at SERVPRO of Central Phoenix show up, you’re in good hands! We offer a range of effective restorative tactics, including debris removal and emergency board-up or tarping by our contracting division. Our licensed contractors can also oversee the reconstruction and renovation of your property once storm mitigation is complete. Our technicians focus on every damaging effect throughout your property from air quality concerns to soot and smoke residue removal to moisture removal and preventing mold growth. We offer comprehensive restoration from the initial inspection through the final walkthrough to make the process more efficient and cost-effective for our customers.

We hope that you are never faced with storm damage, but if you are, remember that SERVPRO of Central Phoenix is available 24/7 to help. Our IICRC Certified technicians have years of experience in the field and the training to handle any storm damage situation.  Call us if you experience a lightning strike, wind damage, or water damage from a monsoon storm that causes damage to your home. Call us at 602-386-4268 to help you recover sooner!