Monsoon Season Checklist: Preparing Your Home for Arizona Storms

Arizona's monsoon season (June 15 - September 30) can bring 60 mph wind gusts, torrential rain, and flash flooding with little warning. A few hours of preparation before the season starts can prevent thousands of dollars in storm damage. Use this checklist to get your home ready.

Roof and Exterior

• Inspect the roof for loose, cracked, or missing shingles and have repairs made before the season starts
• Check flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights for gaps or deterioration
• Trim tree branches that hang over the roof or could break off in high winds
• Secure or store loose outdoor items — patio furniture, planters, decorations — that could become projectiles in monsoon winds

Gutters and Drainage

• Clear gutters and downspouts of dust, debris, and nests before the first storm
• Make sure downspouts direct water at least 5-10 feet away from the foundation
• Check that your yard's grading slopes away from the house — regrade or add drainage solutions in low spots

Windows and Doors

• Check weatherstripping and seals around windows and doors for gaps
• Consider storm shutters or protective film for windows in high-wind-exposure areas
• Inspect garage doors, which are especially vulnerable to wind pressure

Swamp Coolers and HVAC

• Inspect swamp cooler water lines, pads, and roof mounting for leaks or damage
• Have your AC system checked to ensure it's not creating condensation leaks that combine with monsoon humidity

Emergency Supplies

• Flashlights, batteries, and a battery-powered or hand-crank radio
• A basic emergency kit with water, non-perishable food, and first-aid supplies
• Sandbags or flood barriers if your property has known flooding trouble spots
• A portable phone charger in case of power outages

Documentation

• Photograph your home's current condition, inside and out, before the season starts — this makes any future insurance claim faster and stronger
• Review your homeowners insurance policy to confirm what storm and flood damage is covered
• Save your restoration company's emergency number in your phone: (480) 485-7989

After the Storm

If your home takes on water or wind damage during a monsoon, speed matters. Standing water needs to be extracted within hours to prevent secondary damage, and mold can begin growing within 24-48 hours. Our storm damage restoration team provides emergency roof tarping, board-up, and water intrusion mitigation 24/7 across the Phoenix Valley.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does monsoon season start in Arizona?

Arizona's monsoon season officially runs from June 15 through September 30, though the most intense storm activity typically occurs in July and August.

How do I protect my home from monsoon flooding?

Clear gutters and downspouts before the season starts, grade landscaping so water flows away from your foundation, inspect your roof for damage, and consider sandbags or flood barriers for known problem areas. Acting fast if water does get inside is critical to preventing mold.