How to Seek Shelter if a Storm Catches You Off-Guard | SERVPRO® of Montgomery

7/29/2020 (Permalink)

If your home sustains damage due to a storm, SERVPRO of Montgomery is on call and ready to help at any hour.

When you are enjoying summer fun, the last thing you are likely thinking about is the chance that a storm will start. However, it bears consideration regardless of how clear the sky looks.

Hot, humid weather is exactly what storms need to feed off of, so knowing how to get to safety quickly is key when these sudden storms begin. Below are our top tips for ensuring you know the facts about safe sheltering.

Quickly Getting to Safety if a Storm Starts Suddenly

Know your options for shelter. In an ideal scenario, you will already be somewhere secure if a storm is inbound—but we all know that is not always the case. Fortunately, sheltering in your car is actually a recommended practice if a building is not available, and can be quite safe as long as you are able to park safely and cut off the engine.

Practice electrical safety. Thunder and lightning always occur together, so all thunderstorms carry the potential to cause lightning damage as well. When you are inside, be sure you unplug all the electronics you are able to if there is time before the storm. In the chance that there is not, installing inexpensive surge protectors around your house and office can help you be safer.

Avoid direct contact with concrete. Though sheltering from a storm in a concrete structure may feel like the most secure option, make sure to avoid directly coming into contact with the concrete. The metal inside concrete buildings can attract lightning and distribute it through the walls and floor, causing a shock to anyone who is in contact with it.

Stay indoors for at least 30 minutes. If the skies clear suddenly after a summer storm, you may be antsy to get back outside, but beware of the false sense of security. Lightning can travel extreme distances, even striking up to 30 miles away from where the clouds are. For this reason, it is best to wait a half-hour after the last thunderclap before heading 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.