Staying Safe During a Thunderstorm

4/22/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Northwest Escambia County is Here to Help with Storm Damages in Pensacola, Cantonment, and surrounding areas!

Thunderstorms, and the weather conditions that often come along with them, can be very dangerous if proper precautions are not taken.  According to cdc.gov, the following are some best practices to adhere to during a thunderstorm event:

• Do not go outdoors during a thunderstorm. Thunderstorms can produce lightning strikes, hail, high winds, and even tornadoes.  All these conditions have the potential to cause injury, and that potential is greatly reduced by being indoors.
• Avoid using corded electronic equipment. Lightning can travel through electrical systems, such as televisions and radios.
• Avoid water during a thunderstorm. Just as lightning can travel through electrical systems, it can also be transmitted by plumbing.
• Keep away from windows. In the event of hail or high winds, windows can easily be damaged, leaving the hazard of broken glass.

If you find that no indoor shelter is available during a thunderstorm, redcross.org suggest the following guidelines to optimize safety while outdoors:

• Avoid high ground, water, tall trees and metal objects. All of these have a higher likelihood of transmitting electricity from a lightning strike.
• If you are driving, try to safely exit the roadway and park. Stay in the vehicle and turn on the emergency flashers until the heavy rain ends. Avoid touching metal or other surfaces that conduct electricity in and outside the vehicle.

If a storm has caused property damage to your home or business, give SERVPRO of Northwest Escambia County a call at 850-466-3089.  We have the experience and expertise to help restore your property “Like it never even happened.”