What to Avoid During A Thunderstorm

3/5/2021 (Permalink)

About one-third of lightning-strike injuries occur indoors.

When a storm strikes, our natural instinct is to seek shelter indoors. The CDC states, “When thunder roars, go indoors.” Even within the comfort of your home, a storm can still threaten your safety. According to the CDC, about one-third of lightning-strike injuries occur indoors.

Remain safe by avoiding the following while sheltering from a storm:

• Water. Lightning can travel through a building’s plumbing, so it is best to avoid contact with water. Do not bathe, shower or wash dishes until the storm subsides.
  
• Electronic Equipment. Lightning can also travel through your home’s electrical systems. Avoid using computers, game systems, washers, dryers, stoves, or anything connected to an electrical outlet. As an extra precaution, equip your home with whole-house surge protectors to protect your appliances.
• Concrete Surfaces. It’s best to avoid touching or leaning on concrete walls, or lying on concrete floors. Metal bars in the walls and flooring, combined with concrete, can conduct electricity and put you in danger.
• Candles. If you lose power, your first instinct may be to light candles. The issue is that candles can easily start a fire. To avoid possible dangers, use flashlights instead. They produce even more light and are way safer.
• Windows. While you may feel tempted to watch lighting from your window, it’s still unsafe. In a severe storm, the wind blows around objects that can shatter the window, putting you in danger. 
• Portable Generators. A portable generator is able to keep your electronics, like refrigerators or air conditioners, running, but they should never be used indoors. These machines emit carbon monoxide that can poison people and cause headaches, dizziness, weakness, and vomiting.

SERVPRO understands the dangers presented by powerful storms. If your home is damaged by severe weather, call 1-800-SERVPRO for immediate assistance!