Tips for Sheltering Anywhere During a Sudden Summer Storm

8/31/2020 (Permalink)

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

When you are making the most of your fun in the sun during the summer, you may not even consider the possibility of a sudden storm when the skies are clear. Unfortunately, storms are something you should always be conscious of, especially when the heat and the humidity are high—these create perfect fuel for storms, so they can start in an instant and leave people unprepared.

Be sure you know what to do no matter where a storm catches you with these tips.

Know What to Do No Matter Where a Storm Catches You

Know your options for shelter. When you hear that a storm is a possibility and you are somewhere you can wait out the threat, this would be the ideal thing to do. That being said, when storms come up suddenly, this will not always be an option. You can set up shelter in your vehicle with the proper guidelines in mind, enabling you to wait out the storm anywhere you are.

Practice electrical safety. If there is a thunderstorm in the area, that means that lightning strikes are a possibility as well. Many times, lightning will strike from cloud to cloud instead of from cloud to ground, but it is important to practice electrical safety in any building just in case. Unplug everything around you if you can, and consider installing surge protectors at home and at the office for a solid solution that lasts.

Avoid direct contact with concrete. Though concrete provides a sturdy structure in which to seek shelter, it is also vital that you understand the risk of shock it presents. As most concrete is poured around metal bracers, if lightning strikes the building, the metal can become charged and dissipate this electricity through the concrete. This can cause shock to anyone directly touching the concrete, so it is wise to be aware of.

Stay indoors for at least 30 minutes. When a storm interrupts your otherwise peaceful day spent outdoors, getting back to what you were doing quickly is likely top priority. It is important to wait enough time before heading back outside, however—lightning can travel more than 20 miles, so waiting at least half an hour after the last thunderclap is advised.

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.