Safety Tips for Lightning

6/19/2018 (Permalink)

Lightning

Lightning is one of the leading causes of weather-related fatalities. Some factors can put you at greater risk for being struck. Here are a few safety tips for when it is lightning.

Be aware. If the weather forecast calls for thunderstorms, postpone your trip or activity, or make sure adequate safe shelter is available. Be sure to check the forecast before participating in outdoor activities. 

Avoid electronic equipment. Lightning can travel through electrical systems, radio, and television reception systems, and any metal wires or bars in concrete walls or flooring. Do not use computers, laptops, game systems, washers, dryers, stoves, or anything connected to an electrical outlet. Equip homes and offices with whole-house surge protectors to protect appliances.

Stay indoors. Remember the phrase, “When thunder roars, go indoors.” Find a safe, enclosed shelter when you hear thunder. Like homes, offices, shopping centers, and hard-top vehicles with the windows rolled up.

Avoid water. Do not bathe, shower, wash dishes, or have any other contact with water during a thunderstorm because lightning can travel through a building’s plumbing.

Avoid windows, doors, porches, and concrete. Lightning can travel through any metal wires or bars in concrete walls or flooring. Do not lie on concrete floors and avoid leaning on concrete walls. 

SUMMER VACATION SAFETY TIPS

7/6/2017 (Permalink)

This is a ceiling ready to collapse from an A/C leak in the attic.

SAFETY TIPS

There is nothing more frightening than the thought of going on a summer vacation, returning home, and finding that your home has been robbed, vandalized. Whether it’s a flooded basement, or even a faulty water heater, there is nothing more devastating than the thought of this unexpected property damage.

There are some ways to minimize the risk. A few Safety Tips to make sure everyone is doing whatever is possible to stay safe!

TIPS

Don’t make it obvious you are out of town or on vacation

• Try to arrange for a trusted neighbor to bring in your trash, mail and newspaper.
• Suspend your mail and newspaper until you return home.

Automatic timers

• Your lights can help lend the impression that someone is home
• Leave a car parked in the driveway.

Of course, an A/C Leak - leading to a flooded attic - ceiling collapse - is another big threat.            

• Avoid it by simply turning off your water before you leave.
• You may also drain your hot water heater to ensure no damage done from it.
• Leave an extra key with your neighbor—which will come in handy if, in the worst case scenario, there is a fire, flood, or some other issue that needs to be attended to before you return home. 

Simply follow these safety precautions and you’ll be doing all you can do to avert a crisis!

If you need us we are here to help! SERVPRO of Brandon 601-829-2162