Safety During a Thunderstorm

12/13/2021 (Permalink)

Do you know what to do if you are stuck outside in a storm with lightening?

Here at SERVPRO of North Highlands / Rio Linda we want all our residents in our community to be as safe as possible during a storm. Remember: When thunder roars, go indoors. If you can find a safe, enclosed shelter. Some safe shelters include homes, offices, shopping centers, and hard-top vehicles with the windows rolled up.

If you are caught in an open area, and can’t find adequate shelter. Crouching or getting low to the ground can reduce your chances of being struck but does not remove you from danger. Here are some actions that can help you avoid lightening in the storm.  

• Immediately get off elevated areas such as hills, mountain ridges, or peaks.
• Never lie flat on the ground. Crouch down in a ball-like position with your head tucked and hands over your ears so that you are down low with minimal contact with the ground.
• Never shelter under an isolated tree.
• Never use a cliff or rocky overhang for shelter.
• Immediately get out of and away from ponds, lakes, and other bodies of water.
• Stay away from objects that conduct electricity (such as barbed wire fences, power lines, or windmills).
• Stay away from concrete floors or walls. Lightning can travel through any metal wires or bars in concrete walls or flooring.

Note:30-30 rule. After you see lightning, start counting to 30. If you hear thunder before you reach 30, go indoors. Suspend activities for at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder.

Here at SERVPRO of North Highlands / Rio Linda we can only give tips to stay safe from storms. But if your home or business has been effected by a storm in any way we are always here to help, with 24/7 emergency support. Remember to be sure to check for leaks and water damage, in your property after a storm. If you find anything we have the experience and knowledge to answer your questions and restore the problem, call us at (916) 991-1522.

References: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors