6 Tips for Keeping Your Business Safe During a Thunderstorm

5/31/2021 (Permalink)

Upon hearing that there’s a thunderstorm warning, unplug any electronics

Follow These Tips

Thunderstorms are so common in some regions that it’s often taken for granted how dangerous they can potentially get. A thunderstorm is sometimes much more than just a rainstorm with lightning; it can present other dangers such as hail, flash flooding, high winds, and even tornadoes. So, it pays to prepare your employees and your commercial building for the worst by following these tips:

1. Construct an Emergency Preparedness Kit

Create an emergency preparedness kit that includes first aid supplies, flashlights, a battery-powered radio, and extra batteries. Also, include important documents such as commercial insurance information, employee contact information and phone numbers of emergency services or businesses you may need during or after the storm, such as storm cleanup services.

2. Unplug Electronics

Upon hearing that there’s a thunderstorm warning, unplug any electronics that aren’t necessary, especially sensitive or valuable ones. Make sure to turn off or unplug appliances such as toaster ovens that were on at the time of a power outage; they could come back on when the power comes back without you realizing it and start a fire. Also, avoid using landline phones.

3. Avoid Using Plumbing

Avoid using plumbing during a storm. Lightning can travel through plumbing making it risky to take a shower or wash dishes during a storm.

4. Clean Gutters

Keep gutters clean and maintained. This will help to prevent flooding and roof damage during a heavy rainstorm.

5. Cut Back Tree Limbs

Cut back loose or dead tree limbs or branches that are close to buildings. Tree limbs can be blown into a building or onto a roof during high winds. They can also create hazards on the ground.

6. Secure Outdoor Items

Secure outdoor items such as tables, chairs, signs and trash receptacles. Just a couple of inches of standing water can put these objects in motion and create dangers to people and property. Substantial winds can also blow them, creating dangerous flying projectiles.

If your Rock Hill or York County building incurs damage from a heavy rainstorm or high winds, you can rely on storm damage cleanup professionals. They’ll return your building to its preloss condition as quickly as possible.