Thunderstorm and Lightning Safety | Manville, RI

7/8/2020 (Permalink)

Give us a call at (401) 949-9955 if you experience storm or flood damage at your Manville home or business

Thunderstorm and Lightning safety in Manville, RI 

As we all know, Rhode Island weather can be quite unpredictable. At the end of this week, weather reports have said we can expect some remnants of a tropical storm from the south. That being said, we can expect heavy rains in some areas as well as gusts of wind. You should always be prepared for thunderstorms, any storms, even if they’re not predicted to be severe.

Stay up to date on the weather forecasts. As we know, the weather forecast can change day to day.

Stay in communication with your family. Communicate with them on where to go in the case of an emergency. And discuss an emergency plan.

Prepare your home  keep tree branches trimmed back, take your patio furniture inside or put in the shed so things don’t go flying around.

Help your neighbors and friends! Head over to your next door neighbors house and see if they need any help carrying patio furniture inside or securing anything. A little help will go a long way.

Have a first aid kit

Severe thunderstorm watch vs severe thunderstorm warning

A severe thunderstorm watch means that severe storms are possible in and around the area.

A severe thunderstorm warning means severe weather has already been reported or spotted by radar. Storm warnings also indicate danger.

If you are driving during severe weather, head to the next safest exit or pull over, turn on your hazards and wait until the heavy rains subside.

Lightning safety

It is important for you to remain indoors during thunderstorms.

• Avoid open areas such as fields, and do not be the tallest in the area. Lightning will strike the taller objects in an area.
• Stay away from trees, poles, and towers.
• Stay away from fences.

Getting help if someone is struck

• Call 9-1-1 immediately.
• Begin CPR if you are trained.
• Move the struck person to a safer area if possible to avoid any other injuries.

“When thunder roars go indoors”

About 30 people are killed each year by lightning strikes. These fatalities can usually be prevented. In 2020, there have been 5 lightning related fatalities. 

When you hear thunder, immediately get indoors or in a covered vehicle. Stay indoors for at least 30 minutes after the storm has subsided. Some of the injuries or fatalities had occurred due to people going outside too soon!

You can be struck while indoors, but it is rare. It can be caused by using wired electrical devices or plumbing (showers or baths)

If your home or business suffers from flood or storm damage, give us a call at (401) 949-9955, we're here to help!