Thunderstorm Safety Tips to Keep Your Household Protected | SERVPRO® of Beaver County

12/14/2021 (Permalink)

Have a plan for shelter and safety in case of a storm.

Thunderstorms are a rather frequent weather occurrence, but they are still quite dangerous and
have the potential to do a good bit of damage. While many things with a thunderstorm can’t be
prevented, such as the harm caused by high winds or flooding, there are ways that you can
ensure that you and your family are able to stay as safe as possible while the storm rages on.
Between lightning, hail and flash flooding, thunderstorms can cause serious injuries in several
different ways. By understanding when and how to seek shelter and prepare your family for bad
weather, you can help everyone stay safe until the storm subsides.
### How to Stay Safe in a Thunderstorm
**Know the difference between watches and warnings.** Staying tuned into local weather
broadcasts is so important when severe weather is possible, and understanding exactly what
the watches and warnings mean can help you make the right decisions. A Severe Thunderstorm
Watch is issued if conditions are favorable for a severe storm to develop, which is an indicator
that you should have a plan in case the weather turns sour. When that is upgraded to a Severe

Thunderstorm Warning, that means a severe storm has been detected in the area and you
should immediately take shelter.
**Have a plan for seeking shelter.** The best thing to do if severe weather is a possibility is to
stay at home, indoors and wait for it to pass. However, if you are caught out of the home and a
thunderstorm is nearby, have a plan for taking shelter in your car, in a nearby business or in
another safe location until things pass by.
**Keep your home emergency kit stocked.** It is not uncommon for severe storms to knock out
the electricity, which can last anywhere from a few minutes to a few days. A well-stocked
emergency kit can keep you from having to fret over this—be sure to stock flashlights, batteries,
first-aid supplies, entertainment options, nonperishable food and plenty of water for your family
so everyone can stay comfortable while the power is off.
*If you have damage to your home from a storm, you can count on us to help. We are here for
all of your restoration needs—contact us today to learn more about our services.*