Staying safe during a monsoon storm

Electric and natural gas safety

When the summer storms hit, the City of Mesa Utilities Department wants to help our customers stay safe. Storms can result in physical damage to the infrastructure – the pipes, power lines and poles – that protect you from the safety risks of electricity and natural gas. To keep you safe, here are some tips about what to do when the monsoons come rolling in.

Electric safety during monsoons

What kinds of problems can occur during monsoons that affect the Electric system?

Several types of damage can affect the electric system during a Monsoon storm including:

• High winds can break trees, which can fall on power lines, causing a power outage. Sometimes the trees are heavy enough to break the wires or even the poles and cause extended outages.
   
• Lightning can strike electrical equipment, poles or trees, and cause damage and power outages.
   
• Heavy winds and potential micro-bursts can cause damage by uprooting or breaking poles.

These incidents can cause interruptions in electric utility services to isolated customers or widespread areas depending upon the severity of the storm.

What should I do to avoid hazards from electric outages or other problems?

The high winds are especially dangerous since they cause trees and poles to break and fall. It is wise to avoid being outside during this kind of storm. Power lines may fall on the ground.

• Customers should avoid touching or going near power lines because they may still be energized.  You cannot tell whether or not power lines are safe by looking at them.
   
• If you are in your vehicle, it is not safe to drive over the lines, or to get out of your vehicle if a line falls on the car. Wait for emergency crews to respond and follow their instructions. It could save your life.
   
• If there is heavy lightning or high winds, it may be wise to unplug your computers and televisions sets to avoid damage from an outage.

If I have a power outage, whom should I contact?

• For an emergency such as fallen wires, call 911.
   
• For a power outage, contact our Utilities Control Center at 480-480-644-2262 to report the outage.  If you are a SRP customer and are experiencing an outage, contact 602-236-8888.

The phone lines may be busy so please be patient. During large outages when hundreds of customers are trying to call at once, you may have trouble getting through. It is important to let the City know your power is off even if others in your neighborhood also are out of power. Please provide as much information as possible to assist in identifying and fixing any problems.  We will respond to all calls as quickly as possible.

We want everyone to call, even if your neighbor has already done so. You may have a breaker out and everyone else has their power restored except for you. If you don’t call, we may not be aware of the problem.

Another example is that we may have branches down on a main line, but also on a side street at someone’s house. We won’t know the extent of the outage unless you call.  

Is there anything I should do when there is a power outage?

• Turn off all major appliances, such as your air conditioner, dishwasher, television, videocassette recorder, computer and water heater. This will help avoid circuit overloads and can protect sensitive equipment from voltage fluctuations. Be sure to wait at least one full minute after power returns before turning the equipment back on.
   
• If you are without power during a very hot day, try to make arrangements to find shelter at locations with power and air conditioning.
   
• Check on your elderly neighbors to make sure they are not stranded without air conditioning or power.

What should I do if there is lightning?

Lightning strikes are common during monsoon storms.

• If outdoors, avoid high profile structures and stay away from trees, poles and anything else that may attract a lighting strike.
   
• Avoid carports, open garages, covered patios or windows.

Will the power come back on automatically and how long will it take?

It all depends upon where the problem is and the extent of the outage.  The time it takes to restore services is dependent upon such operations as removing large trees or replacing damaged poles and equipment.   Please be patient and we will respond as quickly as we can.

Can a monsoon storm affect the water system?

The City uses electric energy to provide water utility services to customers.  Customers might be asked to conserve water if electric utility services to our water facilities and equipment is interrupted.

Why doesn’t the City place all the lines underground to avoid storm damage?

While installing all of our lines underground would be a significant help, it is very expensive to do so. The cost for underground lines can be more than ten times the cost of overhead lines. As the City of Mesa continues to install new lines, we make sure to use underground wherever appropriate.

Is electricity safe?

Electricity is a very safe form of energy. The electric distribution system operated by the City of Mesa Utilities Department meets or exceeds all electric safety regulations.

Natural gas safety during monsoons