1. Slow down! The first rain of summer brings oils and other automotive fluids to the road surfaces, causing unusually slick conditions.
2. Do not attempt to cross flooded roadways. Even shallow running water exerts great pressure and can sweep your car off the road or stall your engine. Under the Arizona "Stupid Motorist Law" a driver requiring rescue from a flooded wash, with posted warning signs or gates, may also be held responsible for the cost of the water rescue.
3. If you can't see due to heavy rain or blowing dust:
   1. Pull off to the right side as far as possible
   2. Turn off your engine and lights
   3. Stay inside your vehicle
   4. Keep your foot off the brake pedal. Drivers may see your lights and assume you are on the road in motion
4. If you approach an intersection with a non-functional traffic signal, treat it as a 4-way stop.
5. Listen to your car radio for the latest traffic and weather conditions. Monsoon storms are big news and you can usually get precise information about where the storms are and what traffic is like.

1. Turn off all unnecessary power equipment to reduce the draw on power companies. This is a prime time for power outages.
2. Keep batteries, flashlights, and a battery operated radio or TV handy.
3. Stay off the phone. Even cordless phones can cause a shock when lighting strikes nearby. Use cell phones only if necessary.
4. Stay away from plumbing fixtures as lightning can travel along metal pipes.
5. Keep away from windows as high winds can blow heavy debris.

1. Switch off high usage items such as air conditioners, computers and televisions so there is no danger of overloading your system or damaging these products with voltage fluctuations when power returns.
2. Surge protectors for your computer and electronic equipment will provide extra protection.
3. Turn on your battery powered radio or TV for information.
4. Limit how often you open doors so cool air stays inside.
5. Keep your freezer and refrigerator door closed.
6. Talk to your neighbors and offer to be of help.

Lighting is dangerous no matter where you are. If you find yourself outdoors when lightning strikes:

• Seek shelter immediately.
• Stay away from open fields, high land, trees, poles and standing bodies of water.
• Do not swim or hold metal objects, including golf clubs and lawn chairs.
• Stay off the phone. Even cordless phones can cause a shock when lightning strikes nearby. Use cell phones only if necessary.
• Stay away from plumbing fixtures as lightning can travel along metal pipes.

The Surprise Public Works Department provides sand and bags free of charge to Surprise residents in the event of flooding.

• The sand and bags will be located at the following locations (click here for map), following a major rain event, in which flooding may occur:
  - Vehicle Maintenance Yard, 16560 N. Dysart Road.
  - Bell Road Lake (south side), 15105 W. Bell Road
  - South Plant (north gate), 11401 N. 136th Avenue
  - Water Well site, 16849 W. Jomax Road
  - Westgate city facility, 13430 W. Westgate Drive
  - Litchfield Yard, 17274 N. Litchfield Road
  - Old City Hall recycle bin site, 12425 W. Bell Road
  - Fire Station 302 recycle bin site, 18600 Reems Road
  - DreamCatcher Park recycle bin site, 14534
    W.Tierra Buena
  
  NOTE: Residents are asked to bring their own shovel to fill the bags. Anyone needing assistance should call Public Works at 623.222.6000.
  
  Designated Public Works crews will be on call 24 hours a day during the monsoon and after any major storm events to check for an remove downed trees and debris, clear clogged storm drains and to assist residents in flooded areas.

To report a flooded road or downed trees, call Public Works at
623.222.6000 or visit