For older adults, monsoon season brings specific risks that go beyond a little mud and a power flicker. High winds can knock out electricity for hours, flooded streets can cut you off from essential services, and the sudden atmospheric pressure changes that come with storms can affect health conditions like joint pain, migraines, and cardiovascular symptoms. None of that has to catch you off guard.

Build a simple emergency kit before June

You don't need to overhaul your home or spend a lot of money. A basic monsoon prep kit covers the most common disruptions: power outages, brief periods indoors, and temporary loss of access to services.

  • At least three days of any prescription medications (talk to your pharmacist about early refills)
  • A battery-powered or hand-crank weather radio to receive emergency alerts without Wi-Fi
  • Flashlights and extra batteries — keep one by your bed
  • Shelf-stable foods you enjoy, enough for two to three days
  • A printed list of important phone numbers, including your doctor, pharmacy, and a trusted neighbor or family member
  • Bottled water — even a few extra gallons stored in a cool spot
  • Backup phone charger or power bank, kept charged
Know your home's vulnerabilities

May is a good time to walk through your home with fresh eyes — or ask someone you trust to help. Check window screens and seals, which can let in blowing dust that irritates lungs and eyes. If you have a patio or outdoor furniture, identify what you'd bring inside before a storm. Look at any large trees near your home; branches that look borderline stable now may not survive a 60 mph monsoon gust.

If you live alone and have concerns about home safety you're not able to address yourself, Aster's Neighbors Program may be able to help. Our volunteers provide friendly visits and basic support for older adults — and connecting with a neighbor now means you'll have someone to check in on you when a storm rolls through.

Aster's Meals on Wheels program continues deliveries throughout monsoon season. Our staff and volunteers perform a wellness check at every visit — so if a storm has you stuck inside, your delivery is also a check-in. If you're not currently enrolled and think Meals on Wheels might be right for you, call our Outreach team at 480-962-5612 or submit a brief inquiry.

Plan for power outages

If you use any electrically powered medical equipment — a CPAP machine, a home oxygen concentrator, an electric wheelchair or lift chair — contact your equipment provider now to ask about backup options during outages. APS and SRP both maintain medical baseline and life support programs that can prioritize your home during restoration. If you haven't already enrolled, May is a good time to call your utility provider and ask.

LIHEAP and the City of Mesa Utility Assistance Program may also be able to help if utility costs become a concern during the summer months. Aster's Outreach Specialists can help you find out whether you qualify and walk you through the application — call us at 480-634-1659 or submit a brief web form to get started.

Stay connected when it matters most

Social isolation during and after a major storm is a real risk. If your neighborhood floods or you lose power for an extended period, having people in your life who know to check on you makes a meaningful difference. Share your plans with family or friends now — let them know how to reach you if cell service is interrupted, and ask if they'd like you to do the same for them.

Aster's Senior Centers are community hubs year-round, and our staff are always a resource when you have questions about navigating a difficult stretch. If a storm has disrupted your routine or you're feeling isolated after a tough week, our doors are open. Come in for lunch, join an activity, or simply sit with friends for a while. That's what we're here for.

One more thing: know when to stay inside

When a haboob or severe thunderstorm warning is issued for your area, the safest place to be is indoors. Blowing dust can reduce visibility to zero in seconds, and the debris carried in monsoon winds can cause serious injury. If you're out and see a wall of dust or a fast-moving storm approaching, pull over and turn off your car's lights if you're driving, or seek shelter in a sturdy building immediately. Avoid washes and low-lying roads — they can flood within minutes.

The good news: most monsoon storms are brief. They're dramatic, but they pass. Preparation doesn't make the storms smaller — it just means you're ready when they arrive.

Questions about resources or support this summer? Aster's Outreach Specialists are here to help you find what you need — from benefits enrollment to in-home support. Call us at 480-634-1659 or visit our Social Services page to learn more about our programs.