Monsoon season starts Monday

Monsoon season starts on June 15 and ends September 30

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - The American Red Cross is providing tips to keep in mind to be ready for this year's monsoon season.

June 15 is the start of monsoon season, translating to an abundance of moisture being added to our local climate that leads to extreme humidity, high temps, thunderstorms, dust storms and flash floods.

Monsoon season ends September 30, so during these next several months the American Red Cross has tips to make sure you're covered no matter what Mother Nature throws your way. At the top of its list is making a kit. The kit should be kept in a water-proof container and have water, a first-aid kit and flash lights. The red cross also recommends that you have an emergency plan known to every member of the family.T he emergency plan should detail a designated meeting spot in case you're forced to leave your home.

Charly McMurdie with the Southern Arizona American Red Cross Chapter tells us what to do in the event that lightning causes a power outage. "Any type of power outage, you have to make sure you have batteries, flashlights that charge or a charger and keep those charged, you want to keep plenty of water on hand bottled water, whether you have singles or gallons doesn't matter as long as you have some water on hand and any non-perishable foods that you don't have to cook," McMurdie said.

These are just some of the tips being given out as part of the American Red Cross's "Be Red Cross Ready" initiative. For more information on their efforts you can reach the American Red Cross at 1-800-842-7349