Thunderstorm Preparedness

6/20/2022 (Permalink)

These things can get pretty messy pretty quickly.

Thunderstorms, especially of the summer variety, can be incredibly dangerous for more reasons. Weather conditions can range from the aforementioned rain and thunder to hail, all the way to microbursts. While they are uncommon, it is not unheard of.

In the southland, we tend to get a mix of heavy rain and dry thunderstorms. Below are some great and helpful tips, courtesy of your friends at SERVPRO of Hacienda Heights / Rowland Heights.
Here's what to do before a thunderstorm:

- To begin preparing, you should build an emergency kit and make a family communication plan.
- Remove dead, rotting trees and branches that could fall and cause injury or damage during a severe thunderstorm.
- Put outdoor activities on hold until the weather clears up.
- Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage.
- Get inside a home, building, or hard-top automobile (not a convertible). Although you may be injured if lightning strikes your car, you are much safer inside a vehicle than outside.
- Remember, rubber-soled shoes and rubber tires provide zero protection from lightning. However, the steel frame of a hard-topped vehicle provides increased protection if you are not touching metal.
- Shutter windows and secure outside doors. If shutters are not available, close window blinds, shades, or curtains.
- Unplug any electronic equipment well before the storm arrives.

SERVPRO of Hacienda Heights / Rowland Heights wants to once again remind you that even though we live in bright and sunny southern California, disaster can strike randomly at any time. If it does, be sure to give us a call first. We have the knowledge and staff to make it "Like it never even happened."