Take Summer Storms Seriously

8/18/2021 (Permalink)

If a storm caused damage to your home or business, SERVPRO of Lowell is on the line, ready to make things right.

It’s summer in Lowell, and that means it’s time to get outside and be active. The days are longer, the weather is warmer—it’s a lovely time.

Maybe you’re heading to Boston to cheer on the Sox or planning a weekend hiking in the Lowell-Dracut-Tyngsboro State Forest. But whatever your plans, be sure to take your umbrella.

In spite of the sun and warmth (or more accurately, because of it), summertime is actually more likely to produce thunderstorms than other times of year. Though average rainfall is on the lower end during summer, it actually rains 28% of the time during those months, and the warm air clashing with moisture is more likely to result in thunderstorms.

Be Storm-Alert

Storm alerts mustn’t be ignored. If thunderstorms are in the forecast, you should pay attention and plan to plan around them. An NOAA Weather radio can provide a big assist as well, as it can provide helpful alerts and updates, even if a storm should knock out your power.

If local news predicts the possibility of flooding, you should consider rearranging travel plans or canceling planned events. And check the backyard—you may need to tie down patio furniture or secure garbage cans so they don’t get blown or washed away by the storm.

Storm prep isn’t as fun as watching J.D. Martinez crush baseballs, but it’s essential if you want to ensure your safety. Flooding and storm-related accidents cause a number of fatalities each year, and most of those deaths could have been prevented with some extra care or preparation.

Be Storm-Safe

You’re safest indoors during a storm, even after rain has stopped. Lighting can strike up to 10 miles from an active storm, so you’re not fully safe until the storm has moved on and you haven’t heard any peals of thunder for 30 minutes.

Indoor safety includes staying out of the shower or tub, as currents can travel through pipes and water—they can also shatter windows, so sit away from those as well.

How’s your emergency kit? If you don’t have one ready, get one ready before storms present a problem, and keep a mobile kit in the back of the car for evacuation situations.

If flooding does occur, avoid floodwater at all costs. It can wash away established roads and compromise others, it can carry off cars and cause hydroplaning, and coming in contact with it can make you ill.

There are any number of dangers that can come into play in a thunderstorm, and it’s always best to be cautious and put things on hold until storms safely pass. If storms cause damage to your home or business, SERVPRO is on the line, ready to make things right again.