Why You Should Take Storm Damage Seriously

It is estimated that nearly 1,800 thunderstorms are occurring at any moment around the world. Most of us are so used to thunderstorms that we rarely consider them major threats. Yet, the storm damage can be significant. Consider the following:

• More people are killed on an annual basis from lightning strikes than from tornadoes.
• Electronic equipment, such as computers, can suffer severe damage from power surges.
• Water leaks create all kinds of problems from stains on ceilings to damaged insulation and carpeting. Failure to adequately clean up these leaks can lead to mold and mildew.
• Wood can rot due to moisture buildup.
• Strong winds can cause limbs to fall from trees hitting cars, people, and buildings.
• Shingles can fly off roofs, contributing to water leaks.
• Hail can damage roofs and vehicles.
• Flash floods are also possible.

And all of this normally occurs in a span of about 10-20 minutes. The good news is that with minimal effort, you can take steps to reduce, and, in some cases, eliminate these problems.

How to Minimize Damage from Thunderstorms

Thunderstorms can occur quickly without warning. Others can be seen approaching. Danger signs for thunder storms include dark, towering, or threatening clouds and distant thunder and lightning. To estimate the distance in miles to a flash of lightning, count the seconds between the lightning and the thunder and divide by five.

If a thunderstorm watch is issued, leaders should be prepared to respond. A thunderstorm warning indicates a need to remain in a safe place. A severe thunderstorm can spawn a tornado.

Precautions Before a Thunderstorm Occurs

Some steps that organizations can take prior to severe thunderstorms include the following:

• Routinely trim dead branches off trees. Strong winds can cause branches to fall and do considerable damage.
• Secure outdoor objects that can blow in strong winds.
• Keep a battery-powered radio available with extra batteries.
• Obtain a NOAA weather/all hazards radio to alert you with immediate information on approaching severe weather.
• Have a professional electrician install a commercial surge protector at your circuit board to protect sensitive electrical equipment. Make sure that electrical circuits are properly grounded.
• Clean the gutters every spring and fall. Make sure they are clear of leaves, twigs, and other debris that can cause drainage problems.

Precautions During a Thunderstorm

If a thunderstorm occurs, instruct staff members to take the following precautions:

• Do not handle electrical equipment or a telephone when lightning is striking. The lightning can follow the wire.
• Turn off electrical appliances such as air conditioners. Power surges from lightning can overload the compressors.
• Avoid water faucets and sinks because metal pipes can transmit electricity.
• If applicable, no showers should be taken during thunderstorms. 

If lightning or thunder occurs, those who are outdoors, such as groundskeepers or those participating in athletic events, should come inside. It does not need to be raining for lightning to strike. Lightning may occur as far away as 10 miles from any rainfall. Rubber-soled shoes and rubber tires provide no protection from lightning.

Use the following safety precautions if you are caught with a group outdoors during a thunderstorm:

• Attempt to get into a building or car.
• If no structure is available, get to an open space and squat as close to the ground as possible.
• If in a woods, find an area protected by a low clump of trees; never stand underneath a single large tree in the open.
• Be alert of the potential for flooding in low-lying areas.
• Avoid tall structures such as towers, tall trees, fences, telephone lines, or power lines.
• Stay away from natural lightning rods such as golf clubs, tractors, fishing rods, bicycles, or camping equipment.
• Stay away from rivers, lakes, or other bodies of water.
• If you are isolated in a level field or prairie and you feel your skin tingle or your hair stand on end (which indicates that lightning is about to strike), bend forward, putting your hands on your knees. Minimize your contact with the ground by taking a crouching position with your feet together. Remove all metal objects you may be wearing or carrying. Do not lie flat on the ground.
• If you are driving, pull safely to the shoulder of the road away from any trees. Stay inside the car and turn on the emergency flashers until it is clear to drive.

Checking for Damage Following a Storm

Once the thunderstorm is over, check for damage; and respond to problems quickly in order to protect against further damage.

• Look for loose or hanging limbs from trees.
• Do a visual inspection of the roof for loose or missing shingles.
• Check trouble spots for leaks around windows or ceilings.
• Remove any debris or obstacles that create tripping hazards from sidewalks, parking lots, and outdoor stairs.

Since thunderstorms are so common, often we fail to recognize the serious damage they can cause. While it takes little effort to implement a storm protection policy, the benefits can be enormous. Why not take action now to prevent these problems?

© 2024 GuideOne Insurance. GuideOne® is the registered trademark of the GuideOne Insurance Company. All rights reserved. This material is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to give specific legal or risk management advice, nor are any suggested checklists or action plans intended to include or address all possible risk management exposures or solutions. You are encouraged to retain your own expert consultants and legal advisors in order to develop a risk management plan specific to your own activities.