Fast Facts About Summer Storm Safety | SERVPRO® of Biloxi/Ocean Springs/Gulfport

7/16/2020 (Permalink)

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

Summer storms are a part of long days and warmer weather, but it is important to be aware of the impact they can have. When thunder develops, that means that lightning strikes, high winds and hail are all a possibility, along with the damage these circumstances can cause.

While your best bet is to stay at home to stay safe from a storm, these general tips are things you can keep in mind regardless of where you are to protect yourself.

Staying Safe in the Event of Summer Storms

Know your options for shelter. If severe weather is in the forecast, the best thing to do is stay home and move to an interior room of the house—but if you get caught in bad weather out and about, it’s important to know what to do. If you happen to be driving, your car is actually a safe place to take shelter. Be sure you safely pull to the shoulder, turn the vehicle off and do not touch any metal elements.

Practice electrical safety. If a building is struck by lightning, the electrical charge will rush to the ground as quickly as possible—often through electrical wires in the walls of the home. When this happens, a power surge can be transferred to anything that is plugged into the wall. If you have the time before a storm moves through, unplug everything in the house to prevent this from happening. In case one catches you off-guard, using surge protectors at every outlet is advised.

Avoid direct contact with concrete. It may feel like a concrete structure is the most secure place to be in the event of a storm, but they are still quite vulnerable to lightning. Concrete is often reinforced with steel, so if lightning strikes, it can become a conductor of electricity itself. If you are able, avoid touching any concrete walls or floors while lightning is in the area.

Stay indoors for at least 30 minutes. Because storms can come and go quickly, they often interrupt activities and result in people antsy to get back to what they were doing. However, this can lead to people rushing outside as soon as the skies clear, which can be dangerous. Lightning strikes have been known to occur up to 25 miles from where the storm is located, so it is advised to wait a half-hour after the last clap of thunder before going 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.