Thunderstorm Preparedness

Thunderstorms are a very common occurrence in the spring: the United States experiences over 100,000 thunderstorms every year, and nearly 1,800 thunderstorms are occurring around the world at any given moment! While common, these storms can quickly turn severe and may have devastating effects. Take some time to prepare your organization for severe weather today!

 

Effects of Thunderstorms

Thunderstorms can cause significant damage to your buildings and property such as:

• Damaged electrical equipment due to power surges.
• Water damage due to leaks and flooding.
• Building damage due to wood rot from moisture buildup.
• Damaged roof due to high winds, hail or debris.

Severe thunderstorms can also cause flash flooding and in some cases may lead to tornados. It’s important to take these storms seriously and prepare your organization ahead of time.

 

Before a Thunderstorm

Completing an annual review of your property every spring can help you determine potential risks when it comes to your storm preparedness. Check your property and ensure the below items are completed:

• Install lightning rods to new buildings.
• Inspect old buildings to determine if you should install a lightning rod.
• Routinely trim dead branches off trees.
• Hire a professional to remove dead trees from the property.
• Secure outdoor objects if they may be blown around by strong winds.
• Hire a professional electrician to install a commercial surge protector and ensure all electrical circuits are properly grounded.
• Keep a battery-powered radio and extra batteries available.
• Obtain a weather radio to alert you with immediate information on approaching severe weather.
• Clean your gutters every spring and fall to prevent drainage problems.

Thunderstorms may occur quickly and without much warning. If a thunderstorm watch is issued, leaders at your organization should be prepared to respond.

 

During a Thunderstorm

Any thunderstorm could rapidly turn severe, and a severe thunderstorm can spawn a tornado. Take these steps to ensure the safety of individuals on your property during a thunderstorm warning:

• Ensure all individuals on the property are inside the building during a storm.
• Do not handle electrical equipment while lighting is striking.
• Turn off electrical appliances, such as air conditioners, if lighting is striking.
• Avoid water faucets and sinks, as metal pipes can transmit electricity.

When lighting or thunder occurs, individuals should find a safe place to shelter such as a basement or small interior room. If you are unable to get into a building or a car during a thunderstorm, take the below precautions:

• Get to an open space and squat as low to the ground as possible.
• If you’re in the woods, find an area protected by a low clump of trees.
• Be alert of the potential for flooding in low-lying areas.
• Avoid tall structures such as towers, trees, fences, telephone lines or power lines.
• Avoid natural lightning rods such as golf clubs, tractors, fishing rods, bicycles or camping equipment.
• Avoid rivers, lakes or other bodies of water.

If you are isolated in a level field or prairie and feel your skin tingle or your hair stand on end, lighting may be about to strike. Bend forward with your hands on your knees and take a crouching position with your feet together. Remove all metal objects you may be wearing or carrying. If you are driving during a thunderstorm, pull safely to the shoulder of the road away from any trees. Stay inside the car and turn on your emergency flashers until it’s clear enough to drive.

 

After a Thunderstorm

If you are not on the property during the storm, do not return until local authorities have authorized you to travel and return to the facility. Then, inspect your property and begin clean-up. Follow these guidelines to stay safe as you complete your inspection:

• Make a careful, thorough inspection for damage and potential hazards.
• Wear rubber boots, waterproof gloves and other protection during clean-up.
• Look for loose or hanging limbs from trees.
• Complete a visual inspection of the roof for loose or missing shingles.
• Check trouble spots for leaks around windows or ceilings.
• Remove any debris or obstacles that create tripping hazards from parking lots and outdoor walking surfaces.
• Call your insurance company to report any loss if your property has suffered damage.