Safety Tips During Electrical Storms for Homes and Businesses
For the Home
- Unplug Electrical Devices: Disconnect appliances and electronic devices before a storm approaches. Power surges caused by lightning can severely damage these items.
- Avoid Using Water: Do not bathe, shower, wash dishes, or flush toilets during a storm. Lightning can travel through plumbing.
- Close Windows and Doors: Keep windows and doors shut to prevent damage from wind-blown objects and rain entering in gusts.
- Emergency Preparedness: Keep an emergency kit that includes a flashlight, batteries, first aid kit, water, and non-perishable food.
For the Business
- Emergency Plan: Ensure all employees know the storm action plan. Conduct regular drills to ensure everyone knows what to do.
- Protect Sensitive Equipment: Use surge protectors and uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) for critical business equipment like computers and servers.
- Infrastructure Inspection: Regularly inspect the building for damages that could become entry points for water during a storm. Ensure that drainage systems and roofs are in good condition to handle heavy rains.
- Communication: Maintain open lines of communication with your employees and customers to inform them about the status of operations during and after the storm.
General Tips
- Stay Informed: Use a battery-operated radio or a weather alert app to get updates on the storm.
- Avoid Windows: Stay away from windows, doors, and exterior walls during the storm.
- Do Not Lie on Concrete Floors: Avoid lying down on concrete as the reinforcing bars can conduct electricity.
- Outdoor Protocol: If caught outside and unable to reach a building, crouch down but do not lie flat on the ground. Keep feet together and avoid tall objects like trees.
