Thunderstorms can erupt daily in some tropical and subtropical locations, but even residents of more temperate climates will experience the occasional thunderstorm during the warm summer months. Whether one deals with electrical storms on a daily basis or just a couple of times per year, it's vital that homeowners employ proper thunderstorm safety measures to avoid property damage or injury from a lightning strike or storm.
Storm Preparedness for the Home
Before a thunderstorm, hurricane or other severe weather event strikes, homeowners should have several important items on-hand:
- A NOAA Weather Radio – In the USA, a NOAA weather radio will sound an alarm when the National Weather Service issues severe weather watches and warnings for the region. With the push of a button, residents can hear the most up-to-date storm and severe weather updates for their region. This enables one to take the proper storm preparation measures.
- A Fully-Charged Cell Phone – If an emergency arises during a severe thunderstorm, it's essential that homeowners can call for help. A cell phone may be the only form of communication that works if electricity and phone lines are downed by a thunderstorm.
- A Storm Kit – Residents should also pack a storm preparedness kit, particularly individuals who live in tornado- or hurricane-prone regions. A storm kit should include non-perishable food items, pet food, medication, can openers, batteries, flashlights, a first aid kit and other storm survival essentials.
During the Thunderstorm – Storm and Lightning Safety Tips
When the thunderstorm approaches, residents should take several measures to avoid injury or property damage from a lightning strike, hail, and other severe weather events.
- Unplug appliances. To avoid damage from a lightning strike, unplug all appliances – even those that are connected to a surge protector. Surge protectors are often ineffective in the event of a direct or near-direct lightning strike.
- Move cars into the garage or away from trees. If a garage is available, park the car inside to avoid damage from hail, downed tree limbs or wind-blown debris. If no garage is available, try to relocate the car to a location that's out in the open to prevent damage from downed trees or tree limbs.
- Stay away from water and pipes. If a lightning bolt strikes nearby, the electricity can travel through water pipes, so prevent electrocution during a thunderstorm by avoiding the sink, toilet, shower and bath.
- Don't use the telephone. Lightning strikes can send a surge of electricity traveling through the phone lines, resulting in electrocution. Avoid using the telephone during a thunderstorm.
- Stay away from the windows. There have been many cases involving people who have been struck by lightning while standing near a window. In addition, a downed tree limb or debris could come crashing through a window, resulting in serious injury or even death to anyone situated nearby.
- Remain in an interior room during a severe thunderstorm. Some severe thunderstorm systems have been known to produce tornadoes, and super cell thunderstorms can produce intense winds that cause damage that's comparable that which would result from a tornado. During a severe thunderstorm, bring children and pets into an interior room or hallway, and stay far away from windows. The goal is to place as many walls as possible between the residents and the outdoors.
In addition, it's best to keep a battery-operated NOAA weather radio (for the USA) within arm's reach during a severe weather event. This will enable the residents to stay informed about any life-threatening weather developments, such as a tornado.
Related Articles on Storm Survival
Readers may also enjoy Protecting Your Home in a Hurricane: Using Storm Shutters, Hurricane Fabric and Hurricane Glass.
Sources: The Weather Channel and Weather.com
