HAZARDS AND PREVENTION
| Drought | Earth Fissures | Earthquakes | Floods |
| Thunderstorms/High Winds | Wildfires | Winter Storms |

THUNDERSTORMS/HIGH WINDS

Thunderstorms occur throughout the year in Arizona, but most commonly during the monsoon season. Severe thunderstorms produce heavy rain, flash flooding, severe winds, hail, and lightning. All of which can be extremely hazardous. 

You can protect yourself, your family and property by following these basic tips:

BUSINESSES/HOMES

• Install shutters on windows and doors or otherwise protect building openings from wind damage;
• Ensure roof-mounted equipment is securely anchored to the building;
• Install additional connections (such as hurricane straps and tie downs) to resist wind loads;
• When re-roofing a critical building, consider providing additional protection from water damage;
• Avoid gravel or ballast on single ply membrane roofs; winds could pick up and damage buildings;
• Consider underground electrical service (check on flooding hazard);
• Provide additional bracing for roof trusses;
• Reinforce existing masonry walls, columns and bond beams;
• Minimize the number and size of existing windows and other openings;
• Strengthen or select a wind-resistant exterior wall finish; and
• Inspect installation of pre-engineered metal buildings and strengthen as necessary.

ELECTRICAL

• Provide higher grade poles for electrical distribution;
• Provide guy-wire on poles subject to failure;
• Provide emergency backup to critical facilities: emergency/ portable generators or secondary feeds;
• Analyze communication lines on power poles for unacceptable loads, remove when possible; and
• Ensure right-of-way around power lines are free of trees or limbs that may cause damage.

EMERGENCY SHELTERS, ETC.

• Structurally analyze all buildings or rooms identified as shelters and strengthen as necessary.

TRAFFIC

• Protect traffic lights and other traffic controls from high winds.

VEGETATION

• Thin trees to reduce wind damages and plant species that are more resistant to strong winds.

| Drought | Earth Fissures | Earthquakes | Floods |
| Thunderstorms/High Winds | Wildfires | Winter Storms |