Avoid Thunderstorm and Lightning Damage This Summer

6/11/2024 (Permalink)

An ounce of preparation is worth a pound of cure when it comes to dealing with lightning and thunderstorms.

Ah, the joys of spring! Leaves return to trees. Grass turns lush and green. Flowers bloom and paint the landscape with bold color. But then there are spring thunderstorms. Thunderstorms often don’t come alone. Thunderstorms often feature lightning. They also often bring with them other threats like high winds, tornadoes, and flooding.

Lightning alone kills about 50 people each year in the United States. The Red Cross says that thunderstorms kill more people each year than either tornadoes or hurricanes. You can lessen the threat of a thunderstorm and avoid thunderstorm damage by:

1. Using surge protectors.

Electronics (your TV, appliances, computers, etc.) that are plugged in are susceptible to damage from the electrical surges a thunderstorm can cause. Plug your electronics into a surge protector and the surge protector into the wall. You’ll gain an extra layer of thunderstorm protection.

2. Removing dead or rotting trees near your house.

In a thunderstorm, or other type of storm, a weakened tree could fall and cause extensive damage to your home and property. You might also want to make your shrubbery more wind resistant by keeping them trimmed and removing damaged branches.

3. 3. Bringing things inside or under shelter when a severe thunderstorm is in the forecast.

Can you protect your expensive flower planter by temporarily storing them in a shed? Can that new glass top picnic table be relocated to the basement before the storm hits?

4. Checking your homeowner’s insurance.

Make sure you are covered for thunderstorm damage. Does your insurance coverage meet your needs? If not, make adjustments.

5. Tuning into weather reports.

Keep a weather radio or internet service on to listen for forecasts, watches, and warnings. Know the terminology. A thunderstorm watch means the weather is conducive to severe thunderstorms. A thunderstorm warning means a storm is occurring or will start soon and it poses a threat to life and property.

6. Taking a training course in first aid and learning how to respond to emergencies.

In Connecticut check out the available classes at Red Cross Training. Learn about your local community’s emergency warning system for severe thunderstorms.

If You Have Thunderstorm or Lightning Damage Call SERVPRO of Glastonbury/Wethersfield at (860) 633-8791

7. Being prepared to lose power.

Have plenty of flashlights and batteries available. Avoid using candles because an open flame during stormy weather can be dangerous. Keep the flashlights where you can quickly find them even in the dark.

8. Educating your children about thunderstorms and other natural disasters.

Be certain your children know to come inside and stay inside whenever threatening weather (gray skies, thunder, heavy rains, lightning, strong winds, etc.) approach.

9. Having a safe place and making sure everyone in your house knows where that place is.

A safe place in a thunderstorm is an area in your home that’s away from windows and not in danger from falling trees. Often a windowless interior bathroom is a safe place.

If You Have Thunderstorm or Lightning Damage Call SERVPRO of Glastonbury/Wethersfield at (860) 633-8791

10. Having emergency supplies ready.

A damaging thunderstorm may keep you from shopping for several days or longer. You may not have electricity. Have a survival kit stocked with items like a weather radio, water, snacks, meals in a can, extra batteries, important phone numbers, and other essentials.

11. Consult your local fire department if you are considering installing lightning rods.
     
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