Have you ever been in a thunderstorm and not known what to do? Keep reading to find out how you can keep yourself safe next time you hear thunder.
Thunderstorms are most common during the spring and summer months, so now is the perfect time to read up on our best safety tips.
What Are Thunderstorms?
According to the NSSL, a thunderstorm is a rainstorm during which you also hear thunder. Thunder comes from lightning, so during all thunderstorms, lightning also strikes. Thunderstorms are created by convection, an upward atmospheric movement created by surface heating.
Dangers of Thunderstorms
Although thunder itself may not be terrifying, there will also be lightning when there is thunder. The odds of lightning strikes are one in a million; however, lightning strikes can be deadly and cause around 27 deaths in the United States every year. Lightning can also strike land, houses, and other personal property, causing damage.
In addition to lightning, excessive rain can be dangerous, causing property damage and unsafe driving conditions. In extreme situations, rainfall can cause flash flooding, which can be very dangerous and even fatal.
What to do During a Thunderstorm
Follow the 30-30 rule; if you see lightning while outside, count to 30 and if you reach 30 before hearing thunder, According to the CDC, the best thing you can do is head indoors. If you can’t go inside, a hard-top vehicle with the windows rolled up can also offer protection. Even while inside, it’s important to exercise caution still, as a third of all lightning strike injuries occur indoors. While inside, avoid contact with water, corded phones, electronic equipment,
There are a few things you should avoid while lightning is present:
- Do not seek shelter under a lone-standing tree.
- Stay away from objects that can conduct electricity, including chain link fences, windmills, or powerlines.
- Do not lie flat on the ground; instead, attempt to minimize your contact with the earth by assuming a ball-like position, tucking your head, and putting your hands over your ears.
- Never enter into a body of water while lightning is present. Suppose you see lightning while swimming move out of and away from lakes, ponds, rivers, etc.
- Never seek shelter under a rocky overhang or cliff in case of falling rock.
- Stay away from concrete walls and floors, as lightning can travel through the metal rebar inside.
After you hear the last clap of thunder, wait for at least 30 minutes before resuming any outdoor activities.
Contact the Experts at Black Diamond Restoration
If your home has sustained damage during a thunderstorm, you must seek repair services as soon as possible. That’s where Black Diamond Restoration comes in; we repair storm, water, fire, and mold damage, in addition to so much more. We offer 24/7 services in the Murray and Salt Lake City, Utah, areas because we know that emergencies don’t just happen during regular business hours. So call us today to schedule an assessment.
