National Preparedness Month: Thunderstorm Safety

9/18/2020 (Permalink)

When a large storm hits, you need food, water, and other supplies in sufficient quantity to last for at least 72 hours.

September is National Preparedness Month! SERVPRO of Mercer and Lawrence Counties is here to help you be prepared and stay safe during a thunderstorm.

A thunderstorm is considered severe if it produces wind gusts of at least 58 miles per hour. Every thunderstorm produces lightning, which kills more people each year than tornadoes or hurricanes. Heavy rain from thunderstorms can cause flash flooding, and high winds can damage homes and blow down trees and utility poles.

When a large storm hits, you need food, water, and other supplies in sufficient quantity to last for at least 72 hours. Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster, but they cannot reach everyone immediately. Depending on the nature of the disaster, road conditions may prevent help from arriving in a timely manner and you may be without electricity and the capability to travel.

Your basic services such as electricity, gas, water, sewage treatment, and telephones may be cut off for days or even weeks. Making sure you prepare a supply kit that contains items that will keep you afloat is crucial.

Everyone in your household should be aware of your supply/emergency kit, where it is located, and what is inside. Here are some items that are suggested to keep on hand:

• Necessary Medications
• Flashlights for each family member
• Battery-operated radio and clock
• Extra batteries
• Bottled water
• Canned, freeze-dried, or dehydrated food, powdered milk, baby supplies for infants, pet food
• Non-electric can opener
• List of important phone numbers
• First-aid kit

If you need help during or after a severe thunderstorm, SERVPRO of Mercer and Lawrence Counties is ready 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! We are fire and water restoration experts with over 50 years of experience. Take these important storm preparedness steps so you can stay safe any time the weather decides to take a turn for the worst!

Call us if you need our help! (724) 704-8939

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