Essential Thunderstorm Safety Tips

6/17/2020 (Permalink)

Thunderstorms are common becoming more and more common in the Northeast. Often, a severe thunderstorm is accompanied by strong winds, lightning, hail, and flash flooding. It’s important to be prepared before these storms happen to protect yourself and your family, as well as during and after they pass.  

Before a Thunderstorm:

• Listen for weather alerts which may include thunderstorm watches or warnings.
• If thunderstorms are expected in your area, postpone outdoor activities.
• Shutter windows and secure outside doors. If shutters are not available, close window blinds, shades, or curtains.
• Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage. Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall and cause injury or damage during a storm.
• Know lightning safety rules. For example, if you hear thunder or see lightning, go indoors and stay there for at least 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder.

During a Thunderstorm:

• Go quickly inside a home, building, hard-top automobile, or the lowest area nearby.
• If on open water, get to land and shelter immediately.
• Avoid taking a shower or a bath during a severe thunderstorm, as plumbing and bathroom fixtures can conduct electricity.
• Do not use electrical items such as computers or televisions as power surges from lightning can cause serious damage.
• Avoid tall or isolated trees, hilltops, open fields, beaches, pools, and boats on water
• Avoid anything metal, such as wires, metal fences, tractors, farm equipment, motorcycles, golf carts, golf clubs, and bicycles.

After a Thunderstorm:

• Stay away from storm-damaged areas that may pose other risks.
• Stay away from downed power lines and report them immediately to your local power company.
• Remember these thunderstorm safety tips for next time. 

If your home or business is damaged by a storm, please contact SERVPRO of Aberdeen/Holmdel. Our highly trained storm damage professionals use specialized equipment and advanced training to quickly restore your property to pre-storm condition. We’re dedicated to responding immediately, which helps to minimize secondary damage.

Have Questions about Storm Damage?
Call Us Today – (732) 290-3170