Preparing For Monsoon Storms In Southeastern Arizona: Key Tips

I love summer in Southeastern Arizona. The intense heat usually lasts only a few weeks; when the monsoons roll in, the heat drops, the rains come, and the air is fresher.

Monsoon mix for Arizona — Photo by Val Davidson/TSM

Monsoon season is the real star of summer, and like any star, living with the drama can be challenging. Nathan Hodges, Senior Vice President of Operations at Sulfur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative, stopped by First Watch with Sheriff Mark Dannels to talk about how best to prepare for the intensity these dramatic summer storms can bring.

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Get Ready Before the Summer Storms Roll In

It’s true. Monsoon season is part of life in southeastern Arizona, but Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative (SSVEC) wants members to stay safe and remember: a little planning can make stormy days much easier.

SSVEC’s Senior Vice President of Operations, Nathan Hodges, told First Watch that storms can bring “lightning, strong winds, heavy rain, blowing dust, flash floods, and even power outages.” He went on to share that from the utility side, lightning and high winds are often the biggest troublemakers because they can damage power lines and equipment.

Being prepared means that even if you're without power for a short time, you can minimize the impact by taking some simple steps beforehand.

Make A Simple Storm Plan Ahead of Time

Hodges’ advice is simple: “The best things our members can do is prepare before the storms arrive.” That means checking flashlights, charging phones, and keeping water, non-perishable food, and emergency supplies nearby.

said that if someone in your home relies on electrically powered medical equipment, it is especially important to have a backup plan before severe weather arrives. A family member who’s dependent on oxygen or a CPAP machine, for example, will need a way to keep their devices powered until electricity returns.

READ: Science & Hidden Forces Driving Arizona’s Fascinating Monsoons

Quick Ways To Prepare

Keep flashlights and fresh batteries handy.
Charge phones before storms arrive.
Store water, snacks, and basic emergency supplies.
Secure umbrellas, trampolines, patio furniture, and cushions.
Update your cell phone number with SSVEC for outage texts.
Have a battery-powered system or a generator to keep power flowing if needed.

Stay Safe Around Outages

Electricity is dangerous, and it’s best to leave the heavy lifting to the professionals. If you see a downed power line, never take chances. “Never assume a downed power line is safe,” Hodges said. “Even if it’s on the ground and it’s not sparking, it could still be energized and extremely dangerous.”

Keep yourself and others safe. Always stay away, keep others back, call 911, and contact SSVEC at 1-800-422-3275.

If you’d like to know who’s affected by an outage, you can check SSVEC’s outage map at SSVEC.org. Never touch the lines or approach crews, so they can focus on safely restoring power.

Protect Your Home And Food

SSVEC works hard to restore power quickly. Depending on the situation, some situations can take longer than others.

For longer outages, keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. Hodges said a refrigerator can usually keep food cold for about 4 hours when left unopened, while a full freezer can keep food frozen for up to 48 hours.

Plan ahead, and keep the refrigerator closed during power outages. / Canva

He also reminded members to use generators only outdoors in well-ventilated areas. His final message: “Stay prepared, stay informed, and most importantly, stay safe.”

For more information about power outages, visit SSVEC's Outages page. A little preparation this summer can make all the difference when those monsoon storms roll in.