Dallas, Texas Thunderstorm Safety Tips

5/2/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Metrocrest (972) 233-8400

There is a difference between SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH and a SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING. A Severe Thunderstorm watch is issued when severe thunderstorms are possible in and close to the watch area. The watch is issued to alert you to the possibility that thunderstorms with damaging winds and large hail may develop. Listen to NOAA Weather Radio and your local media weather updates and stay informed. And a severe thunderstorm warning is issued when a severe thunderstorm has been spotted and is going to move through your county soon. The key is to remain calm but take precautionary action immediately to protect your life and property.

Act now to be prepared by knowing the county in which you live and the names of nearby cities. Severe weather warnings are issued on a county basis.

The following is a list of supplies to have on hand:

• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Battery operated radio and extra batteries
• First aid kit and manual
• Emergency food and water
• Non-electric can opener
• Essential medicines
• Checkbook, cash, credit cards, ATM cards

Before the storm be sure to:

• Check the weather forecast before leaving for extended periods outdoors.
• Watch for signs of approaching storms
• If a storm is approaching, keep a NOAA Weather Radio or AM/FM radio with you
• Postpone outdoor activities if storms are imminent
• Check on neighbors who require special assistance: infants, the elderly, and people with disabilities.

During the storm remember if you can hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struct by lightning, you will need to go to a safe shelter immediately. Move to a sturdy building or car. Do not take shelter in small sheds, under isolated trees, or in convertible automobiles. If lightning occurs and you can not find a sturdy shelter get inside a hard-top automobile and keep the windows up. If you are on water, get out of a boat and move far away from the water. If you are close to telephone lines and metal pipes move away, they conduct electricity and are very dangerous. Remember to unplug appliances not necessary for obtaining weather information. Try to avoid using the telephone (unless of an emergency) or any electrical appliances and avoid taking a bath or a shower.

If you are caught outdoors and there isn’t a shelter nearby try to find a low spot away from trees, fences, and poles. Make sure the place you pick is not subject to flooding. If you are in the woods, take shelter under the shorter trees. If you feel your skin tingle or your hair stand on end, squat low to the ground on the balls of your feet and place your hands on your knees with your head between them. Make yourself the smallest target possible.

After the storm check on neighbors who may require special assistance such as infants, the elderly, and people with disabilities. Avoid all downed power lines as they are live electricity. Remember to continue to monitor the NOAA Weather Radio and your local media for latest weather updates.

If a storm hits your home call SERVPRO of Metrocrest (972) 233-8400.  We are a 24/7 restoration company.