For Immediate Release

The monsoon returns, Surprise offers safety tips

Surprise, AZ (June 14, 2012) With the arrival of the monsoon on Friday, June 15, the City of Surprise reminds residents to be prepared for the forces of Mother Nature.

Dry lightning, flooding rain and high winds are all very real possibilities during the summer months for desert dwellers. The City of Surprise offers a variety of Monsoon Safety tips online at www.surpriseaz.gov/monsoon to help residents stay prepared.

The site includes a list of areas throughout the city in which residents can fill up free sandbags in the event of flooding and other useful tops about driving in dust storms or heavy rainfall- pull to the side of the road and turn off your lights.

With a possibility of power outages this is the time of year that you will want to stack up on extra batteries to power flashlights and radios so you stay connected to emergency information.

Designated Public Works crews will be on call 24 hours a day during the monsoon and after any major storm event to check for and remove downed trees and debris; clear clogged storm drains and to assist residents in flooded areas.

To report a flooded street or downed trees in the city, please call Public Works at 623.222.6000, or after regular business hours, please call the Surprise Police Department at 623.222.4000.