How to Practice Good Lightning Safety During Thunderstorms | SERVPRO of Marietta West

9/2/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Marietta West can restore your storm damaged property to preloss condition and make storm damage "Like it never even happened."

When it comes to practicing good weather safety, understanding the threats associated with thunderstorms are a must. Because thunderstorms are so common in Marietta and Kennesaw, the likelihood that one will become a threat to your household is high—and without understanding how to keep yourself and your family safe, you can open yourself up to many unfavorable outcomes during severe weather.

One of the major threats that a thunderstorm poses is lightning. Because lightning is actually what causes thunder to rumble, it is present in every single thunderstorm that threatens an area. Understanding how to practice good lightning safety is vital to making sure you are not at risk of being struck, which can lead to injury and death.

Tips for Proper Lightning Safety During Thunderstorms

• Seek Shelter Even if the Storm is Not Actively Near Your Area - Lightning is a powerful force,and as such, it has an incredible range where it can strike. Lightning has been known to strike up to three miles from a storm’s center, which is why it is important to seek shelter earlier than you may think you need to. The fact that you are not actively under a storm cloud does not mean that lightning is not a threat.
• Know Your Options for What Is & Is Not Safe - While being in your home is the safest option if a thunderstorm is nearby, if one catches you off-guard, it is not always an option. If you need to seek shelter in a pinch and cannot get to a building or structure, a car would be the next safest option. Never seek shelter under a tree or other tall object as you could be injured if it is struck.
• Wait Until the Threat has Fully Passed to Resume Activities - Because lightning can strike so far from a storm’s center, that also means that after the storm has rolled through your area, it may not be safe to immediately rush back outside. Wait until the storm has fully left your area before exposing yourself to the open air again, as lightning can strike in all directions around a storm.

*If your home is damaged due to a storm or water, SERVPRO of Marietta West can help! Contact us at (770) 428-5467 at any hour to learn more about our extensive restoration services.