Keep Your Home, Car Safe As Monsoon Returns

It’s been almost eight months since many areas across the Borderland have seen significant amounts of rain.

With heavy rains expected Tuesday and Wednesday for parts of the area, here are a few safety tips to keep your home and your vehicle from damage.

The first rain after a long period of time can make the roads especially slick since oil and other fluids build up on the roadways. Increasing stopping distance between obstacles greatly reduces the chance of having an accident.

Tires can often go overlooked until wet weather strikes. Worn tread increases the chance for hydroplaning and increases the distance it takes for a vehicle to stop.

Windshield wipers can also suffer damage while not in use. Make sure wipers are functional, free of nicks or tears and not brittle.

Replacing windshield wipers can be done yourself or by a car dealership.

Service consultant Ed Gillette from Rudolph Chevrolet said it will cost between $9 and $20 to replace each blade.

Also make sure there is enough windshield wiper fluid in your vehicle.

Many areas in your home can also go overlooked and cause damage when the monsoon rains return.

Clogged and debris-filled gutters can fill up and spill over in heavy rains. This can cause water damage near your home’s foundation. Water and debris-filled gutters can also tear away from the roof if they become waterlogged, causing additional damage to your home.

Cleaning out your gutters can ensure runoff is channeled away from your home and safely into the streets.

Clogged storm drains can also cause flood damage to your property. Make sure all drains near your home are clean and free of debris to prevent water collecting in your area.

Some areas that are prone to flooding can be saved by sandbags. There are five locations around El Paso where up to 25 sandbags can be obtained for free. For a list of locations, click on this link.