Make sure you - and your property - are monsoon ready

Powerful monsoon storms are expected to hit the Valley through Saturday evening, bringing thunderstorms and pockets of very heavy rainfall that may cause severe localized winds and flooding in Scottsdale.

Before the storms hit, it is important to have emergency items on hand, including ones that protect your property from floodwaters.

Some residents in Scottsdale rely on sandbags to protect their homes from storm flooding. The city provides both sand and bags as a courtesy to residents. However, demand is typically high during storms, and the city cannot guarantee availability of complimentary sand and bags to everyone.

These supplies are available 24 hours a day for Scottsdale residents on a first-come, first-served basis at these locations:

• Parking lot of District 1 Police Headquarters, 7601 E. McKellips Road
• Near the city's north Corporation Yard, 9379 E. San Salvador
• Solid Waste Transfer Station, 8417 E. Union Hills Drive

Shovels and bags will be provided by the city, but residents are required to fill their own bags. All the supplies and equipment -- sand, bags and shovels -- are located in large roll-off refuse containers at each site.

• There is a limit of 10 bags per household.
• Sandbags are most effective when placed in front of entry points.
• Fill the bags one-half to two-thirds full. The bag should lie fairly flat when filled.

But remember, other options may provide better protection.

Before the next storm event arrives, the city encourages residents to explore alternatives to sandbags - which are often more convenient, effective and easier to get.

Flood diversion tubes act much like sandbags to block floodwaters from entering homes. The tubes are easy to place and weigh little until filled with water. Any common garden hose attaches, making the flood diversion barrier simple to fill.

Other options include transportable flood fence barriers and water absorbent cushions.

Residents whose properties are subject to seasonal flooding are encouraged to explore these alternatives to sandbags through local hardware stores and online retailers.

Be Ready, Set, Go!

This three-step program that encourage Arizonans to get READY by preparing now for what threatens their community, to be SET by maintaining awareness of significant danger and to GO, evacuate immediately when the danger is current and life-threatening. Learn more.