Quickly Getting to Safety if a Storm Starts Suddenly | SERVPRO® of Prattville

7/30/2020 (Permalink)

Have you been affected by a storm event? SERVPRO of Prattville is available 24/7 and ready to assist you with any storm damage.

If you are enjoying a clear summer day, you may not even consider the possibility that the weather can turn sour—but clear skies can be deceiving. Storms thrive off of heat and humidity, so sudden pop-ups can occur with little notice and leave people desperate to find shelter.

Fortunately, there are many options for sheltering safely from a summer storm so you can be better prepared no matter where you are.

Be Prepared for a Storm No Matter Where You Are

Know your options for shelter. It would be ideal if you find out about an incoming storm somewhere you can also seek shelter, but that is not always the case when a storm catches you out and about. Experts recommend knowing how to seek shelter in your car safely in case of a sudden storm so you can always pull over and be relatively protected from the weather.

Practice electrical safety. Because thunder is caused by lightning, any thunderstorm has the potential to lead to lightning damage as well. No matter where you shelter, there is a possibility that the building will get struck, which can cause a dangerous power surge. If you can, unplug all the electronics in the vicinity to be safer. For your home and your office, installing inexpensive surge protectors around every outlet is a wise move.

Avoid direct contact with concrete. While concrete is one of the sturdiest materials to construct with, it does present certain considerations when it comes to stormy weather. Concrete is often reinforced with metal pieces, so it is recommended that you avoid coming into direct contact with it during a storm in case the building is struck by lightning.

Stay indoors for at least 30 minutes. If the skies clear suddenly after a summer storm, you may be antsy to get back outside, but beware of the false sense of security. Lightning can travel extreme distances, even striking up to 30 miles away from where the clouds are. For this reason, it is best to wait for a half-hour after the last thunderclap before heading back out.

If your home sustains damage due to a storm, you can count on us to help. Contact us at any hour to learn more about our storm restoration process.