Shocking Facts About Lightning

3/13/2020 (Permalink)

Lightning is one of the leading causes of weather-related fatalities.

As the weather begins to warm up, we know that means summer storm will soon be approaching. 

Lightning is one of the leading causes of weather-related fatalities. Though the odds of being struck by lightning in a given year are only around 1 in 500,000, some factors can put you at greater risk for being struck. Here are a few lightning safety tips.

Be aware. Check the forecast before participating in outdoor activities. If it calls for thunderstorms, postpone your trip or activity, or make sure adequate safe shelter is available.

Go indoors. Remember the phrase, “When thunder roars, go indoors.” Find a safe enclosed shelter when you hear thunder. Safe shelters include homes, offices, shopping centers, and hard-top vehicles with the windows rolled up.

Avoid windows, doors, porches, and concrete. Do not lie on concrete floors and avoid leaning on concrete walls. Lightning can travel through any metal wires or bars that are in the concrete walls or flooring. 

Avoid water. Do not bathe, shower, wash dishes, or have any other contact with water during a thunderstorm because lightning can travel through a building’s plumbing. 

If a major storm causes storm damage or flooding in your home or business, reach out to SERVPRO of North Richland Hills for Fort Worth water damage restoration and storm damage repair services. Our team has years of experience handling natural disaster building reconstruction, water removal, and mold remediation services in the area.