Safety: Summer Storm Prep, During, & After
The summer months can make conditions right for dangerous storms to occur. If you hear thunder, it means that lightning is close enough to pose an immediate danger. The safest course of action to take whenever you notice a storm brewing is to seek shelter indoors. Stay prepared before, during, and after the storm with the following tips from Ready.gov:
Prep before the Storm:
Know your area’s risk of thunderstorms. They can occur year-round and at any hour.
Sign up for your community’s warning system.
Identify 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.
Secure outside furniture.
During a 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 a 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.
If boating or swimming, get to land quickly 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.
After the Storm:
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.
To make sure you are prepared for a Power Outage, check out Be Prepared When The Power Goes Out — The Wire by XOOM Energy.
