While a thunderstorm is only about 15 miles in diameter and lasts around 30 minutes, it can wreak havoc on communities, so it pays to keep an ear to the forecast and an eye to the sky to know when one of these potentially devastating storms might blow through your area.
Thunderstorms can produce lightning, flash floods, hail, straight line winds, and tornadoes—all of which can be deadly and lead to hundreds of millions of dollars of property damage every year in the United States.
BEFORE THE STORM
“Steps you take now can keep you safe during a severe storm,” says Molly Hall, executive director of the Energy Education Council (OR YOUR EXPERT HERE). Know the difference between a severe thunderstorm watch and warning. A watch means there is the possibility of storms in your area. A warning means a storm has been reported or is imminent and you should take cover.”
The National Weather Service offers these tips to make sure you are prepared for spring and summer storms:
- Assemble necessary supplies for a potential outage (for a suggested list, visit SafeElectricity.org).
- Check the forecast and the hazardous weather outlook.
- Watch for signs of an approaching storm.
- If a storm is approaching, turn on a weather radio or an AM/FM radio for information.
- If a storm is imminent, stay inside until it passes.
If you find yourself outdoors during a storm, remember that if you can hear thunder, you are close enough to a storm to be struck by lightning. If possible, get inside or into a hard top vehicle—not a convertible. If safe shelter is not available, find a low spot away from trees, fences, and poles. If you are indoors when a storm strikes, stay away from windows, and go to the lowest level of your home. Unplug unnecessary appliances, and do not use corded phones. Cordless and cellular phones are safe.
AFTER THE STORM
Once the storm has passed, it does not mean the danger has. Hall (OR YOUR EXPERT HERE) cautions, “There could be a variety of hazards left by the severe weather. Keep yourself and your family safe by being aware of the dangers after the storm.”
DO NOT touch downed power lines or objects in contact with those lines. There is no way to know if that line is energized. A downed power line does not have to be arcing or smoking to be deadly. Stay away from the line, and warn others to do the same. If you come across downed power lines, call 9-1-1 and your utility immediately.
The National Weather Service suggests other things to consider after the storm:
- If you are inspecting your home in the dark, use a flashlight rather than a candle or some other open flame to avoid the risk of fire or explosion due to a gas leak.
- If you see frayed wiring or sparks or if there is an odor of something burning, shut off the electrical system at the main circuit breaker if you know how and can do so safely.
- If you smell gas or suspect a leak, open windows in the home if you can do so safely, and then get out of the house. If the smell is strong, leave immediately without touching any switches. Once outside, call 9-1-1, and notify your gas utility.
Take steps now to keep your family safe. Get more information at SafeElectricity.org.
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