Hazardous weather can turn fun to fright Published July 16, 2010 By Senior Airman CJ Hatch 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- Monsoon is here in Arizona and Luke Air Force Base is not immune to the effects the changing weather can have on the state. In 2008, the National Weather Service marked June 15 as the first day of monsoon and Sept. 30 as the last day. Being aware of the risks and planning for the can help keep everyone safe during this year's monsoon. There are different threats in Arizona that can make a monsoon storm hazardous. First, the wind can reach a high rate of speed and mixed with loose sand can create a dust storm. "Driving in dust storms can be dangerous and should be avoided," said Tech. Sgt. Chris DesJardin, 56th Fighter Wing Ground Safety technician. If it cannot be avoided, Sergeant DesJardin offers some safety tips: - If possible, pull the vehicle off the pavement as far as possible. Do not stop on the paved portion of the roadway as other vehicles may still be driving. - Once off the roadway, stop, turn off lights, set the emergency brake, and disengage the brake pedal to ensure that tail lights are not illuminated. Others may see the tail lights and think it's the flow of traffic. - If it is not possible to pull off the roadway, proceed at a suitable speed for visibility, turn on lights and sound the horn occasionally. - Locate and use the painted center line to guide the vehicle. Look for a safe place to pull off the roadway and wait out the storm. Another common occurrence in Arizona is the thunderstorm. It can darken the sky and drop the temperature, but it can also take only a few minutes to travel from off in the distance to right over the city. "When a thunderstorm threatens, get inside a home, large building, or an all-metal automobile to exclude convertibles," Sergeant DesJardin said. "Do not stand underneath natural lightning rods such as tall, isolated trees or telephone poles." Avoid wire fences, clotheslines, metal pipes and rails and put down golf clubs, Sergeant DesJardin said. "Finally, if you are caught in a level field or in the open, away from shelter, and you feel your hair stand on end, lightning may be about to strike you," he said. "Drop to your knees and bend forward, putting your hands on your knees. Do not lie flat on the ground." Along with thunderstorms comes the largest problem in Arizona and it effects those driving along roads -- flash flooding. "When a flash flood warning is issued for your area, or the moment you first realize that a flash flood is imminent, act quickly to save yourself," Sergeant DesJardin said. "You may only have seconds but, you can prevent a life-threatening situation." Sergeant DesJardin recommends following these six steps: - Get out of areas subject to flooding. This includes dips, low spots, canyons and washes. - Avoid already flooded and high velocity flow areas. Do not attempt to cross a flowing stream on foot where the water is above your knees. - If driving, know the depth of the water in a dip before crossing. The road may not be intact under the water. - If the vehicle stalls, abandon it immediately; seek higher ground. Rapidly rising water may engulf the vehicle and its occupants and sweep them away. - Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers. - Do not camp or park a vehicle along streams and washes particularly during threatening conditions. As well as being life threatening, flash floods can also be expensive. In 1995, Arizona passed traffic code 28-910, commonly called the "stupid motorist law." Under this law, local governments can prosecute people who knowingly enter a public street, highway or wash that is temporarily covered by water or is barricaded due to flooding. Violation of this law comes with a $2,000 price tag as well as the cost of police, firefighting and other rescue services. For more information on the Arizona monsoon and other safety tips, visit http://www.arizona-vacation-planner.com/monsoon-season.html.