A Few Key Safety Tips for Sudden Summer Storms | SERVPRO® of Van Nuys South

7/8/2020 (Permalink)

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

If the skies are clear on a gorgeous summer day, you may not be thinking a bit about sheltering from severe weather. However, because summer storms are so sudden, it is important to know what to do no matter where a storm catches you.

These safety tips can help you find shelter and stay safe any time a sudden storm pops up anywhere you are.

Find Shelter and Stay Safe Any Time a Storm Pops Up

Know your options for shelter. Ideally, you will find out a storm is incoming while you are somewhere safe where you can wait out the severe weather, but this is not always the case. If a storm catches you when you are on the go, taking shelter in your car is recommended as long as you can do so safely.

Practice electrical safety. Thunderstorms always have the possibility to produce lightning, which can be dangerous even if you are in a building. Lightning sends electricity through a home’s wiring, which is not made to handle such high voltage. In turn, it will transfer this voltage to electronics that are plugged in, potentially ruining them. If you can, unplug everything nearby if a storm is inbound. For a long-term solution, surge protectors are a great option.

Avoid direct contact with concrete. Concrete buildings are sturdy, but they are sturdy in part due to the metal within their walls. This metal, when struck by lightning, can transfer the charge outward through the concrete and to anything against it—including people. It is best to avoid direct contact with concrete if you shelter in a concrete building.

Stay indoors for at least 30 minutes. When a storm interrupts your fun, getting back outside is top priority—but doing so too quickly can still put you in danger. Lightning has been documented 25 miles from storm clouds, so it is recommended that you wait at least a half hour after you can no longer hear thunder to head 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.