DID YOU HEAR THAT THUNDER LAST NIGHT?!

8/21/2022 (Permalink)

We always recommend having a lightning safety plan!

Geauga County can always count on having unpredictable weather! 

Thunderstorms are dangerous weather systems that include lightning and can also produce power winds of more than 50 mph, create hail, and can cause flash flooding and tornadoes.

Lightning is one of the leading causes of injury and death from weather-related hazards. Although most lightning victims survive, people struck by lightning often report a variety of long-term, debilitating symptoms.

You can protect yourself from severe thunderstorms even if you’re caught outdoors when lightning is close by. We always recommend having a lightning safety plan.

• If the weather forecast calls for thunderstorms, postpone your trip or activity.
• Don’t forget the 30-30 rule. After seeing lightning, start counting to 30. If you hear thunder before you reach 30, go indoors. Suspend activities for at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder.
• If no shelter is available, crouch low, with as little of your body touching the ground as possible. Lightning causes electric currents along the top of the ground that can be deadly up to, and exceeding, 100 feet away.
• Avoid concrete floors and walls. Lightning can travel through any metal wires or bars in concrete walls or flooring.
• If a thunderstorm warning has been issued for your area or you hear thunder, go inside immediately.
• Get out and away from bodies of water. If boating, fishing or swimming, get to land and find a sturdy, grounded shelter or vehicle immediately.
• And don’t forget your pets!! Outside dog houses are not lightning-safe. Dogs that are chained to trees or wire runners can easily fall victim to lightning strikes.  Bring your pets inside the home or garage during thunderstorms.

REMEMBER - When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors! - A sturdy building is the safest place to be during a thunderstorm.

If you suffer storm damage, please contact SERVPRO of Geauga County at 440-564-7266 or visit http://www.SERVPROgeaugacounty.com/