DO YOU KNOW HOW TO STAY SAFE WHEN A THUNDERSTORM THREATENS?

8/18/2020 (Permalink)

According to ready.gov “Lightning is a leading cause of injury and death from weather-related hazards. Although most lightning victims survive, people struck by lightning often report a variety of long-term, debilitating symptoms”.

Thunderstorms can include winds reaching over 50MPH, create hail, cause flash flooding and in some cases even tornadoes. Do you know how to keep you and your family safe before, during and after a thunderstorm?

FEMA Suggests the Following Tips:

Prepare – these are things you can do BEFORE the storm arrives

• Know your area’s risk for thunderstorms. In most places, they can occur year-round and at any hour.
• Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.
• Identify nearby, sturdy buildings close to where you live, work, study, and play.
• Cut down or trim trees that may be in danger of falling on your home.
• Consider buying surge protectors, lightning rods, or a lightning protection system to protect your home, appliances, and electronic devices.

Survive- These are the things to do DURNING the storm

• When thunder roars, go indoors. A sturdy building is the safest place to be during a thunderstorm.
• Pay attention to weather reports and warnings of thunderstorms. Be ready to change plans, if necessary, to be near shelter.
• When you receive a thunderstorm warning or hear thunder, go inside immediately.
• If indoors, avoid running water or using landline phones. Electricity can travel through plumbing and phone lines.
• Protect your property. Unplug appliances and other electric devices. Secure outside furniture.
• If boating or swimming, get to land and find a sturdy, grounded shelter or vehicle immediately.
• If necessary, take shelter in a car with a metal top and sides. Do not touch anything metal.
• Avoid flooded roadways. Turn Around. Don’t Drown! Just six inches of fast-moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.

Be Safe- here are the things to be mindful of after the storm passes.

• Listen to authorities and weather forecasts for information on whether it is safe to go outside and instructions regarding potential flash flooding.
• Watch for fallen power lines and trees. Report them immediately.

For more information on recovering from water damage caused by weather-related disasters, contact SERVPRO® of Shrewsbury/Westborough today. We’re Here to Help 24/7 – (508) 393-7898

Associated Content

• Thunderstorms Information Sheet (PDF)
• NOAA Watch (Link)
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Lightning (Link)
• American Red Cross (Link)