With the beginning of summer comes BBQs, pool parties & lightning storms. There are a lot of ways your can protect yourself & your family during a lightning storm.
Outdoor Lightning Storm Safety
When it comes to outdoor activities, the first thing you should always do is check the forecast. If the forecast is calling for a lightning storm, postpone, reschedule or ensure there is adequate shelter readily available. If you get caught in a lightning storm, go inside. “When thunder roars, head indoors”. If you are caught in a open area, crouch down in a ball (with your feet & knees together) with your head tucked and your hands over your ears. If you are in a group, separate. When lightning strikes the ground, deadly electrical currents can run on top of the ground for up to 100 feet. Getting into a ball is the best way to stay low & touch the ground as little as possible.
Indoor Lightning Storm Safety
Being inside is safer than being outside during an electrical storm, but there are still things you can do to increase your safety. 1 out of 3 lightning storm injuries occur indoors. Minimize your risk by avoiding water. This includes avoiding showers, bathes & doing the dishes when there is a storm. You should also avoid using any electronic equipment. Whether that is a computer, washer or dryer, stove or game system, anything connected to an electrical outlet can pose a threat during a lightning storm. To protect your electrical appliances, you should equip your home with a whole home surge protector. Though corded phones are not nearly as common as they once were, if you have one around, you should not use it.
Finally, as tempting as it may be to watch the storm from your garage, front porch, or even window, you should take care to avoid it. Lightning can travel through concrete via the metal bars or wires that it is poured over. When it comes to storms, be smart & stay safe. If you are looking to have a whole home surge protector installed, give us a call today: 630-499-1492.
