Stay Safe When Lightning’s in the Air

7/24/2020 (Permalink)

Protect yourself from a direct lightning strike, whether you're inside or outside.

Getting hit by lightning is something you want to avoid! Each year, about 400 people are struck by lightning in the United States. One out of ten are killed, and many of the survivors have lingering injuries and burns.

Whether you’re inside or outside, this article will tell you how to greatly reduce your chance of being struck by lightning.

What To Do If You’re Outside

Get Sheltered or Get Small

When the thunder roars, go indoors! An enclosed building is the safest place to be. But if you are caught outdoors and can find no shelter, crouch down low, with as little of your body as possible touching the ground.

Don’t Stand Under a Tree

Like many tall structures and objects, trees attract lightning. Because your body conducts electricity even better than a tree does, the lightning can jump from the tree to you if you're close enough. Keep your distance!

Stay on Your Feet

While you don’t want to be the tallest target if you’re caught out in a thunderstorm, don’t lie down on the ground as a way to make yourself shorter. By stretching out, you actually make yourself a bigger target.

Stay Away from Concrete

Don’t stand on steps, patios or other concrete surfaces, because buried within most concrete is strengthening metal rebar or wire mesh, both of which conduct electricity very effectively.

What To Do If You’re at Home

Stay Away from Windows

Don’t get too close to your windows during a thunderstorm because many of them contain metal parts that can attract lightning.

Hang Up the Landline

Lightning can travel through the phone wires and electrocute you. It’s safe to use a cellphone (if it’s not plugged into a charger).

Unplug Your Computer and Other Devices

Anything that’s plugged into an outlet is at risk of being damaged by an electrical surge. Even a top-rated surge protector is no defense against a close lightning strike, so unplug your computer and other devices. Consider unplugging your household appliances, too.

Don’t Use Small Appliances

Plugged into an outlet, any appliance, such as a hairdryer or iron, can transmit a powerful jolt from a lightning strike, so don’t use or even be near one of your small electrical appliances.

Stay Away from the Tub, Shower and Sink

If lightning strikes near your house, powerful currents can travel through the pipes in your home and electrocute you in your bath or shower. Get cleaned up after the storm! For the same reason, don’t wash dishes during a thunderstorm.

Let the Laundry Wait

Stay away from your washer and dryer during a thunderstorm! These appliances are connected to your home’s electrical system and they are metal, so lightning will travel right through them and into you.

When you have suffered damage from a storm at your home or business, call SERVPRO of Glastonbury/Wethersfield today at 860.633.8791

Help Is Here

The team at SERVPRO of Glastonbury/Wethersfield has specialized training and experience in water damage restoration services, biohazard cleanup, fire and smoke damage restoration services and natural disaster prevention and cleanup. Call SERVPRO of Glastonbury/Wethersfield (860.633.8791) any time.

Other Helpful Blog Posts

SERVPRO® publishes educational articles on how to protect your home or business from disasters and how to deal with mold, fire, water, sewage, storm and other damage.

SERVPRO of Glastonbury/Wethersfield
IICRC Certified
Noemi Garcia
Franchise Owner
Call 860.633.8791
Fax 860.216.2762
24-hour emergency service

When you have suffered damage from a storm at your home or business, call SERVPRO of Glastonbury/Wethersfield today at 860.633.8791