Tips to Stay Safe Regardless of Where a Summer Storm Finds You | SERVPRO® of Rapid City

7/21/2020 (Permalink)

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

When you go outside to enjoy the warm weather, worrying about thunderstorms is probably not top of mind. However, thunderstorms can happen suddenly, especially when the humidity is high—and every thunderstorm does have the potential to be dangerous, no matter how quickly it comes and goes.

Even if you are on the go when a thunderstorm catches you, these tips can help you stay safe regardless of where you are.

Staying Safe From Thunderstorms on the Go

Know your options for shelter. The best case scenario for a thunderstorm is to find out about it safely at home and be able to stay put until the threat passes—but when you are running errands or on a trip, this is not always a viable option. You can take shelter in your car during a thunderstorm as long as you follow recommended guidelines like turning off the engine and avoiding contact with metal.

Practice electrical safety. If a building is hit by a lightning strike, the wires are generally how the electricity will transfer, which can be a big headache if you have electronics plugged in. Because standard electronics can be ruined by a power surge, unplugging them is your best scenario if you have the time. If not, you can install surge protectors at home and at work to reduce the likelihood of this happening to you.

Avoid direct contact with concrete. There are few things more structurally stable than concrete buildings, but part of what gives them this stability are the metal reinforcements in the concrete’s interior. Because of this, if you have to shelter in a concrete building, avoid leaning on the walls or sitting directly on the floor to prevent the possibility of electrical shock if lightning strikes the building.

Stay indoors for at least 30 minutes. If a severe storm interrupts your otherwise beautiful summer day, getting back outside is probably your top priority. You should make sure you are waiting an appropriate amount of time, however—there are reports of lightning traveling over 20 miles, so you should wait at least a half-hour after the last clap of 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.