Severe Thunderstorm Preparedness Tips

3/3/2017 (Permalink)

The American Red Cross was founded in 1881 and is a charitable organization that relies on donations and volunteers to carry out their mission. The Red Cross provides disaster relief, blood donations, military family support, training and certification in CPR, lifeguarding and first aid. The Global Red Cross Network can be found in 187 countries throughout the world. SERVPRO began a partnership with the America Red Cross in 2013 and became a Disaster Responder partner in 2016. The Disaster Responder program provides those in need with support, comfort and assistance in times or disaster. Disaster Responders help communities prepare for disasters before they even happen!

Some safety tips the Red Cross recommends in order to prepare for severe thunderstorms are:

• Listen to the local news via television or the radio for emergency updates.
• Put off participation in outdoor activities if thunderstorms are predicted.
• Pay attention to the weather around you. Watch for signs of a storm such as darkening skies, high winds, and lightening. Lightening can happen even without rain.
• If a severe thunderstorm warning has been issued get to a safe location. Find shelter or get in a vehicle with the windows closed.
• Do not use electronics such as telephones, computers, televisions, etc.
• Close all windows and doors.
• Do not take a bath, shower or partake in activities that use running water.
• If you’re driving, pull safely off the road and use your flashers.
• Do not touch metal surfaces that can conduct electricity.
• Stay out of pools, or bodies or water.

For more information on being prepared for storms, go to redcross.org.