Monsoon Prep Checklist for Phoenix Homes

Arizona's monsoon season officially runs June 15 to September 30. These storms are short, local and intense, often with dust and wind first. Most monsoon water damage comes in through roofs, doors and drains. Here's how to get ready in May or early June.

Roof

• Flat roofs: clear scuppers, drains and downspouts of dust, leaves and debris. Ponding water finds every weak seam.
• Tile roofs: look for slipped or cracked tiles after spring winds. The underlayment under the tiles does the real waterproofing and has a finite life, so have a roofer inspect an older roof.
• Check flashing around AC units, vents and skylights.

Yard & grading

• The soil and pavers next to the house should slope away from the foundation.
• Make sure downspouts discharge away from the house.
• Clear side-yard drains and openings in block walls (weep holes) so runoff can leave the lot.
• Trim trees that overhang the roof. Monsoon winds bring down branches.

Doors & garage

• Replace worn door sweeps and weatherstripping on doors that face the yard or patio.
• Keep a few sandbags or water barriers on hand if your garage or patio door sits low. Some Valley cities offer free sand and bags during monsoon season, so check your city's website.
• Lift items stored on garage floors onto shelves.

Inside

• Know where your main shutoff and breaker panel are.
• Test any sump or ejector pump if you have one.
• Look at AC condensate lines. Storm humidity plus a clogged line means overflow.

Power outages

Storms can knock out power. Keep flashlights and a charged phone battery pack handy, and know how to manually open your garage door.

Paperwork

• Take a quick video walk-through of every room now, as a "before" record.
• Save your insurance policy and agent contact on your phone.
• Read your policy for how it treats rain coming through the roof versus outside surface water. They're often handled differently, and flood insurance is a separate policy.

During a storm

Stay off flooded roads. Arizona's "Stupid Motorist Law" can make drivers who go around barricades pay for their own rescue. Inside, watch ceilings and the doors on the side the storm is coming from.

After the storm, see how to check for water damage, or call if water got in. See flood cleanup.

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