Preparing for Thunderstorms Coming This Year

Now that Spring is here and Summer is just around the corner, it's thunderstorm season. And that means a lot of things. Unfortunately along with welcome rains and light shows in the sky, we get the potential for some serious damage. Hail, wind, water, lightning, and even tornadoes are all side effects of these warm weather storms. So how do we prepare for such occurrences? Here are some answers:

• The first thing to do is to always be informed. Know the forecast. Watch the weather part of the news. Install a weather app on your smart phone. Listen to news radio while driving. Check the forecast online. There's no excuse for not knowing what the weatherman says.
• You should build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan. This is true for preparation for all types of emergencies.
• Delay outdoor activities or move them inside.

• Cut down dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall more easily in higher winds. Falling limbs can cause injury and property damage during a thunderstorm.
• After seeing lightning, count to 30. If you hear thunder before you get to 30, consider going inside. If you don't make it to 20, definitely suspend any outside activities. Stay indoors for up to 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder under 30 seconds.
• Secure all objects that could blow away or be moved by storm winds and cause damage.
• Get inside. Even a car is much better than out int he open. Although you may be injured if lightning strikes your car, you are much safer inside a vehicle than outside.
• Close the shutters on all the windows and close and lock any outside doors. If shutters are not on the building, close window blinds, shades, or curtains.
• Unplug electronic devices before the storm arrives. This will protect your electronics from power surges.

Special Lightning Considerations:

• If you are: In a forest
• Then: Seek shelter in a low area under a thick growth of small trees.
• If you are: In an open area
• Then: Go to a low place such as a ravine or valley. Be alert for flash floods.
• If you are: On open water
• Then: Get to land and find shelter immediately.
• If you are: Anywhere you feel your hair stand on end (which indicates that lightning is about to strike)
• Then: Squat low to the ground on the balls of your feet. Place your hands over your ears and your head between your knees. Make yourself the smallest target possible and minimize your contact it the ground. DO NOT lie flat on the ground.

Following these preparedness and safety tips will allowing to act calmly and confidently when thunderstorm arise. Preparation equals peace of mind. 

If you have any questions about these tips or property damage from a storm, let us know today! As always, have fun and stay safe out there!

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