How to stay safe during a summer lightning storm.

8/1/2019 (Permalink)

Storm Damage to your home? SERVPRO is here for you in Redding, California. Fast Response by Professionals - 530-222-0200

It isn't uncommon to have 110-degree temperatures in Shasta and Tehama Counties. Occasionally, we will have a rogue summer lightning storm come through our community. Just like the storm in 2008 where more than 200,000 acres were on fire in Trinity and Shasta counties as part of the June Fire Siege.

Many people think their home is a perfect location to be safe during a lightning storm, but you could still be at risk. Nearly 1/3rd of injuries from lightning strikes occur indoors.

SERVPRO® of North Shasta, Trinity, Greater Tehama Counties would like to offer tips to keep you and your family safe from lightning while indoors.

Avoid Doors, Windows, Porches, and Concrete: Lightning can travel through metal and rebar inside concrete flooring and walls. We recommend not to lean on concrete walls or lie down on concrete flooring.

Avoid Water: Please do not have contact with water during a thunderstorm, lightning can travel through your home's plumbing. We suggest not to wash dishes, shower or bathe during a storm.

Avoid Electronics: Lightning can travel through electricity, make sure you use surge protectors to protect appliances in your home. We also recommend not operate washers, dryers, microwaves, stoves, computers or anything else that may be connected to an outlet.

A normal thunderstorm is commonly 15 miles in diameter and typically last 30 minutes to 1 hour. It’s been recorded that almost 1,800 thunderstorms are occurring every moment around the world, that's nearly 16 million per year.

Almost 2,000 people are killed per year around the world from lightning. Many people survive lightning strikes however they can suffer from many long-term symptoms, which can include weakness, memory loss, dizziness, and many other illnesses. Lightning strikes are known to cause severe burns and cardiac arrest, 9 out of 10 people survive the injury.

SERVPRO® of North Shasta, Trinity & Greater Tehama Counties wants to make sure you and your family stay safe during the next thunder and lightning storm we get in our area.

Resources:

www.nationalgeographic.com

www.krcrtv.com