Thunderstorms & Lightning

3/9/2018 (Permalink)

Manchester, Bolton, Andover, Hebron, Columbia, Coventry, and Mansfield: Don't let a thunderstorm catch you unprepared

Every thunderstorm is dangerous. And every thunderstorm produces lightning. While lightning fatalities have decreased over the past 30 years, lightning continues to be one of the top three storm-related killers in the United States according to ready.gov.

Thunderstorms often come with other threats like tornadoes, high winds, and flooding. Lightning alone kills about 50 people each year in the United States. We want to give you some ways you can prepare for thunderstorms and lightning, survive a thunderstorm, and minimize any potential damage to your house or property.

1. Have an emergency kit and family communication plan in place.

Your emergency kit should contain the necessities you need to survive at home without power or to leave home if it becomes unsafe to stay there. Make sure all family members know where to meet if a storm separates you. Choose a place close to your property but off your property and safe.

2. Review your homeowner’s insurance policy.

Make sure you are covered for thunderstorm and lightning damage. If not, consider making changes.

3. Remove dead or rotting trees near your house.

In a thunderstorm or other type of storm, a weakened tree could fall and cause extensive damage.

4. Use surge protectors.

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

5. Stay tuned to 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. Get trained in first aid and learn how to respond to emergencies.

In Connecticut check out the available classes at Red Cross Training.

If You Have Lightning or Thunderstorm Damage Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield at (860)461-7194

7. Get inside.

Before a thunderstorm or lightning strikes, get inside your home, a building, or hard top vehicle (not a convertible). Although you may be injured if lightning strikes your car, you are much safer inside a vehicle than outside.

8. Shutter your windows.

Before a severe storm, place shutters or plywood over your windows and secure your outside doors. If shutters are not available, close your window blinds, shades, or curtains. They serve as a barrier should the window glass break.

9. Educate your children about disasters.

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

10. Be 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.

If You Have Lightning or Thunderstorm Damage Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield at (860)461-7194

11. Have a safe place to gather in your home and be sure everyone knows where that place is.

A safe place in a thunderstorm or lightning 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.

12. If you’re outdoors, reduce your risk of being struck by lightning.

Lightning’s unpredictability increases the risk to individuals and property. Your chances of being struck by lightning are estimated to be 1 in 600,000 but could be reduced even further by following safety precautions. If you are in a forest, seek shelter in a low area under a thick growth of small trees. In an open area, go to a low place such as a ravine or valley. Be alert for flash floods. On open water, get to land and find shelter immediately.

13. Read what the Red Cross has to say about thunderstorm safety.

You’ll find more information at sites like ready.gov, also.   

Disaster Preparation & Recovery Information   

Every month on the SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield blog we publish educational articles on how to prevent natural disasters and deal with them effectively, and recover from property damage. Here are a few blog posts you might find helpful:

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The team at SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield has specialized training and experience in water damage restoration services, fire damage restoration services, thunderstorm and lightning damage remediation, commercial services, and natural disaster cleanup. Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield (860-461-7194) anytime, 24/7.

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