Arizona ReadinessAction checklist

Arizona Monsoon, Dust-Storm and Flash-Flood Security Checklist

An Arizona monsoon security checklist helps supervisors prepare for severe wind, blowing dust, lightning, flash flooding, power interruption and post-storm hazards. It covers official forecast monitoring, decision authority, secure outdoor items, drainage and access observations, communications, patrol suspension, shelter locations, dust-storm driving, flooded roads, downed lines and post-event reporting. NWS Phoenix advises postponing outdoor activities during a Severe Thunderstorm Warning, moving indoors as storms approach, avoiding dust-storm areas when possible and never driving into flooded roadways or around barricades. This checklist does not authorize guards to enter floodwater, touch power lines, perform electrical work or inspect damaged structures. Call 911 for immediate danger and follow public-official instructions.

20 checks5 sectionsSources checked July 19, 2026
Why it matters

Use a system view, not a single-control view

Arizona monsoon storms can develop quickly and combine hazards: strong outflow winds may produce dust and flying debris, heavy rain may flood a distant wash, lightning may arrive before rain, and power or communications may fail.

A preapproved plan lets security stop exposed tasks and move to safety without waiting for improvisation. It also prevents post-storm patrols from entering water, electrical hazards or unstable areas simply to document damage.

Before you begin

How to use this checklist

  1. Customize the checklist with site management, facilities, safety and security before monsoon season and before major outdoor events or shutdowns.
  2. Identify official forecast sources, alert recipients, shelter locations, flood-prone routes and who may suspend patrols or close areas.
  3. Complete preparation before a warning; once conditions become dangerous, prioritize shelter and emergency instructions over property checks.
  4. Use remote observation and restricted photos when possible after the storm, and keep personnel outside water, downed-line zones and damaged structures.
  5. Document decisions and update the plan after any warning, near miss, route closure, system failure or property damage.
Interactive checklist

Mark each task from current evidence

Use Not applicable only when the item genuinely does not apply, and follow the site’s approved escalation process for any urgent condition.

Section 1 of 5

Forecasts, alerts and decision authority

Official information and clear authority should drive changes before conditions become dangerous.

01The shift briefing includes the location-specific NWS forecast and active severe-thunderstorm, dust-storm, flood and heat products. Priority review item

Evidence to look for: Review the whole operating period and adjacent drainage areas because runoff and outflow can arrive from distant storms.

02A named manager or supervisor has authority to suspend patrols, close areas, change routes and direct shelter. Priority review item

Evidence to look for: Define primary and alternate decision-makers and what personnel may do when communication is lost.

03Workers can receive alerts through a primary and backup channel while in the field. Priority review item

Evidence to look for: Test phones, radios, NOAA Weather Radio or the approved alert system and account for coverage and power loss.

04The plan defines triggers for postponing outdoor work and moving personnel to shelter. Priority review item

Evidence to look for: NWS Phoenix advises postponing outdoor activities during a Severe Thunderstorm Warning and moving indoors as storms approach.

Section 2 of 5

Property preparation before the storm

Complete only safe, authorized preparation before winds, lightning or flooding reach the site.

05Loose furniture, signs, trash containers and temporary equipment are secured or moved by authorized personnel.

Evidence to look for: NWS notes that loose outdoor items can become windblown debris; do not begin this work after dangerous winds or lightning arrive.

06Roof drains, site drainage paths and stormwater controls receive the approved pre-storm check by qualified personnel.

Evidence to look for: Security may report visible blockage from a safe location but should not climb roofs or enter drains or washes.

07Emergency exits, fire lanes, gates and responder access are clear before the storm. Priority review item

Evidence to look for: Account for temporary event, construction and delivery equipment.

08Critical doors, windows, temporary barriers and known water-entry points have an owner-approved preparation status.

Evidence to look for: Do not board, climb, seal or repair outside authorization or training and do not publish vulnerable locations.

Section 3 of 5

Shelter, lightning and high wind

Once threatening weather arrives, personnel safety takes priority over patrol completion.

09Each post and patrol route has a known substantial building or approved hard-topped vehicle for lightning shelter. Priority review item

Evidence to look for: OSHA and NWS advise moving indoors or to a hard-topped metal vehicle; open shelters, trees, roofs and equipment are not suitable.

10Outdoor patrols stop when thunder is heard or lightning and severe winds threaten the area. Priority review item

Evidence to look for: OSHA advises remaining in shelter at least 30 minutes after the last thunder; follow the employer's approved trigger.

11Personnel stay away from windows, trees, roofs, scaffolding, cranes, fences and downed lines during severe conditions. Priority review item

Evidence to look for: NWS advises treating every downed power line as live and calling for help instead of touching it.

12The site has an accountability method for guards, contractors and other assigned personnel during shelter. Priority review item

Evidence to look for: Use remote check-ins when possible and do not send another person into the storm solely to verify location.

Section 4 of 5

Dust-storm and flash-flood travel

Driving and walking routes can become life-threatening within minutes.

13Mobile patrols avoid entering a visible or warned dust-storm area when an alternate safe option exists. Priority review item

Evidence to look for: NWS Phoenix advises not entering the dust-storm area if it can be avoided and following official driving instructions if caught.

14Drivers know the NWS procedure for safely pulling fully off the roadway during dense dust. Priority review item

Evidence to look for: When safely off the traveled pavement, NWS advises stopping, setting the emergency brake and turning off lights so others do not follow them off-road; never stop in a travel lane.

15Patrol routes identify washes, low-water crossings, underpasses and roads that may flood or close. Priority review item

Evidence to look for: Keep the detailed route restricted and plan alternatives before rain begins.

16Personnel never walk or drive into floodwater or around a barricade. Priority review item

Evidence to look for: NWS warns that water can hide a washed-out road and that shallow moving water can knock down a person or carry a vehicle.

Section 5 of 5

Post-storm assessment and recovery

Wait for management or public-official clearance and treat damage as a potential electrical, structural or contamination hazard.

17Post-storm checks begin only after the immediate warning has passed and management confirms safe scope. Priority review item

Evidence to look for: Account for continuing lightning, delayed runoff, heat and access restrictions.

18Personnel do not touch downed lines, enter standing water near electrical equipment or operate damaged electrical systems. Priority review item

Evidence to look for: Assume downed lines are energized and keep people away.

19Damaged roofs, walls, trees, glass, flooded areas and unknown spills are observed only from a safe distance. Priority review item

Evidence to look for: Qualified structural, arborist, environmental and utility professionals should evaluate the condition.

20The incident log records alerts, decisions, accountability, closures, damage, notifications and corrective actions.

Evidence to look for: Use objective facts and restricted photos without exposing access or system vulnerabilities.

Current result

Complete the checklist to see a summary

Results are informational and do not certify compliance or eliminate risk.

Common mistakes

What can weaken the review

  • Waiting for rain before treating lightning, outflow wind or dust as a threat.
  • Sending a guard outside during a warning to finish securing property.
  • Stopping in a travel lane during dense dust or leaving lights on after pulling fully off-road contrary to NWS guidance.
  • Assuming a familiar wash or low crossing is safe because rainfall at the site is light.
  • Beginning post-storm patrol before checking for delayed flooding, downed lines and structural damage.
Practical questions

Frequently asked questions

What should a mobile patrol do when a dust storm approaches?

Avoid entering the dust when possible. If caught, follow current NWS and employer driving guidance. Never stop in a travel lane; if safely pulled fully off the pavement, NWS advises stopping, setting the brake and turning off vehicle lights.

Can a guard drive through shallow floodwater to reach a property?

No. NWS says never drive into a flooded roadway or around barricades. Water can hide road damage and can move people and vehicles. Turn around, use a safe alternate route and move to higher ground if needed.

When should an outdoor patrol seek lightning shelter?

If thunder is heard or lightning threatens, move to an enclosed substantial building or approved hard-topped vehicle. OSHA advises remaining sheltered for at least 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder.

Should security inspect a damaged building immediately after the storm?

Not without clearance and a safe authorized scope. Keep personnel away from standing water, downed lines, unstable structures, broken glass and unknown spills and refer technical assessment to qualified professionals.

Why monitor storms outside the property's immediate area?

Arizona outflow winds, dust and runoff can travel far from the storm that produced them. NWS notes that flash flooding can occur many miles from distant thunderstorms.

Sources and evidence baseline

These references support the general planning baseline. Site-specific decisions still require the responsible organization and appropriate qualified professionals.

  1. Monsoon Safety PageNational Weather Service Phoenix

    Arizona dust, severe wind, flash-flood, lightning, heat and downed-line safety actions.

  2. Turn Around Don't DrownNational Weather Service

    Floodwater risks, barricades and the prohibition on walking or driving into floodwater.

  3. Lightning Safety When Working OutdoorsOccupational Safety and Health Administration

    Employer lightning planning, safe shelter and outdoor worker protection.

  4. Emergency PlansReady.gov

    Emergency response, communication, continuity and recovery planning.

Source links checked: July 19, 2026

Related services and checklists

Continue with the service context or a neighboring planning tool that helps you act on what you found.