Five Thunderstorm Safety Tips

The Insurance Information Institute reports that from 2010 to 2019, an average of 26 people die each year from lightning strikes in the United States alone, with 20 deaths in 2020.

A thunderstorm is not something to take lightly at all. Certain factors, such as the amount of time spent outdoors, and location, increase the risk of lightning strikes, which is the leading cause of weather-related fatalities. This is why it’s essential to check the forecast and to take it seriously.

Let’s talk about some thunderstorm safety tips that can keep you and your family safe and out of harm’s way.

First and foremost, find shelter!

If you hear thunder roar or see lightning flash, the very first thing that you should do is find shelter. Postpone all your plans and return home. The shelter needs to be enclosed, such as a home, office, mall, etc.

If you find yourself in an open field with no adequate shelter nearby, crouch low to the ground, get off an elevated surface, or get in your car or any other hard-topped, stationary vehicle.

If there’s a severe thunderstorm warning, it is best to remain indoors and away from windows as heavy winds can shatter the glass. In high-risk areas, such as Oklahoma City and Norman, it is advisable to have storm shelters. These can be underground bunkers or safe rooms, whatever works for you.

Stay away from conductors

If outdoors, ensure that you are not near any conductors such as barbed wires or power lines. Moreover, stay away from large bodies of water as well such as pools and lakes. If indoors, avoid using electrical devices as lightning can travel through them.

Avoid contact with water

Lightning can travel through plumbing, so it’s best to avoid contact with water and activities such as washing dishes, bathing, showers, etc.

Avoid concrete

Do not lie on concrete floors and stay away from concrete walls. Current can travel through metal wires or bars within concrete floors.

Protect your belongings

In case of a storm, unplug all your electrical appliances to prevent any electrical fires or physical damage. In severe storms, hail can fall as well, so park your vehicles in a garage where they’re secure.

Conclusion

Thunderstorms vary in severity. Some bring extreme, fast winds, deadly lightning, heavy hail, flooding, and even tornadoes. 

In each case, though, the safest option is to remain indoors. Sometimes, even that is not enough due to the risk of shattered windows and weak roofing.

This is where we come in. Oklahoma Shelters provides tested storm shelters that clear FEMA certifications to keep you and your family safe throughout Oklahoma City, Norman, and neighboring areas.

We offer a wide range of items that come with a ten-year warranty to keep you and your family safe, including underground garage shelters. For more information on how to keep you and your family safe from a thunderstorm, contact us here.