Monsoon season awareness Published June 17, 2011 By Airman 1st Class Michael Washburn 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- Tucson is deceiving. D-M's surrounding area is bursting with a bustling city. But drive 20 miles and you can find yourself in a desert wasteland. Most people who are not familiar with the weather conditions in Arizona and would consider the state to be very dry and usually void of rain. For the most part, they would be right. But during the months of June through August, Tucson falls victim to the monsoon season. Airmen and families who are new to the base need to be aware of the dangerous hazards these flash floods can cause. They can come out of nowhere. "It doesn't rain here very often, usually only during monsoon season so the water has nowhere to go" said Staff Sgt. Morgan McCormick, 355th Fighter Wing Safety Office Non Commissioned Officer of inspections. "We had a few people who were killed last year hiking in the canyon and one of them was a lifeguard. The water came over the wall, flooding the whole area, and they were stuck because the water had nowhere to go." Understanding what to do if you are stuck in a monsoon is important. Here are some tips from the D-M safety office on how to protect yourself and your family during monsoon season. · If flooding is expected, move to higher ground · Avoid low-lying areas, like washes and canyons · Avoid areas already flooded and fast-flowing water · Be especially cautious at night · Do not attempt to walk across flowing streams · Do not park your vehicle along streams and washes · Never drive through flooded roadways · Monitor vital weather-related broadcasts "The best tip people can follow is if you see water in the road, call your office and tell someone you're going to be late and find another way to work," Sergeant McCormick said. "There are lots of different ways to get to work. If for whatever reason there is only one way to work, wait for the water to go away because it will recede just as fast as it filled up." Another reason not to drive through water in the road is the "Stupid Motorist Law." This means that if you decide to hot rod your car through a flooded street, get stuck and then have to call for someone for help, you have to pay for the bill. Drivers should be aware of their surroundings and be smart. There are signs posted all around Tucson reading "Don't enter when flooded." Follow those directions and you won't be the stranded motorist that you hear about on the news.