With the arrival of summer and the rising temperatures also comes the arrival of monsoon season in the Valley. That can mean strong thunderstorms, heavy rain, lightning and high winds. Your trusted ToFixIt electricians offer these tips to help protect your home and electronics during monsoon season. First, consider these tips before the storms end at the end of September 30th.

1. Be storm ready.

• Create an emergency plan now, and have a safety kit readily on hand, while the sun is still shining.
• Stock up on battery operated flashlights, a radio and even battery operated fans.
• Identify a safe place in your home, away from doors and windows where you can wait safely until the storm passes.

1. Keep all your important papers in a water-proof, fire-proof container.
2. Consider a whole house electrical inspection.

• The expert electricians should offer a whole house electrical inspection.
• These trained electricians can inspect:

1. your electrical panel to make sure it's not overloaded
2. check to ensure the wiring to your breakers are tight
3. do a surge protection risk assessment
4. check all smoke detectors in your home and check to insure all electrical elements are up to code
5. If you want an extra level of protection consider a professionally installed surge protection and even stand by generators.

Lightning that can accompany these monsoon storms can damage the motors to your expensive appliances like your HVAC system, flat screen TV's, sound system, computer and even your appliances. If you've seen your lights dim or glow yellow this could be a power surge in your system and that can damage the motors in your appliances. Professionally installed surge protection senses dips in voltage and can turn motors off for a short period or until your electrical current is consistent. Many home owners have added this to their HVAC systems and found peace of mind and protection. When properly installed surge protection can help take unwanted peaks in voltage to the ground, not your appliances.

1. Trim all the trees and bushes away from your home.
2. Clean your gutters and downspouts in preparation for heavy storms.

During a Storm:

• Stay in a safe area away from windows and doors.
• If electricity is lost use battery operated flashlights.
• Candles can be hazardous because of the fire risk and carbon monoxide.
• If you are using a generator, the Electrical Safety Foundation International strongly recommends that it be installed by a licensed electrician.
• Remember: never operate a generator inside or in an enclosed area (like a garage,) never operate it in wet conditions, and don't open windows or doors near the generator which can allow fumes to enter your home.
• Make sure you have a battery operated carbon monoxide alarm.
• If water is rising, turn off the main breaker to your electric panel.

After a Storm:

• Be alert for downed power lines or gas leaks.
• If your home is flooded call a licensed electrician before turning on the main circuit breaker.
• Make sure appliances or equipment that may have been exposed to water are completely dry and checked by a qualified electrician or repair person before using.

In Arizona, electricians should be licensed through the Arizona Registrar of Contractors. The state has minimum requirements on years of experience, training, schooling, insurance and bonding a licensed electrician must have. If a contractor performs work that is not up to code, or in violation of state law, the Arizona Registrar of Contractors can investigate. ToFixIt has done all of the homework for you but it always a good idea to do your own due diligence. Don't forget that you can check on any contractor by going to http://www.azroc.gov/. to verify all licensing required for their craft.

You can search by name, company name, license number or city where you live. Look for a listed place of business on all documents; beware of someone who can just provide a phone number.