Thunderstorm Preparedness in Oklahoma

1/31/2020 (Permalink)

Thunderstorms are beautiful, but they can also be dangerous.  They can cause severe damage to your home and property in Oklahoma. Thunderstorms include lightning and can:

• Include winds over 50 MPH
• Create hail
• Cause flash floods
• Cause tornadoes

In most places, a thunderstorm can happen at any time of the year and at any time of the day.

SERVPRO® of Mayes & Wagoner Counties knows you cannot prevent a thunderstorm, but you can prepare:

• Know the risk for thunderstorms in Oklahoma
• Sign up for your community’s warning system 
• Cut down or trim trees that may fall on your home or office
• Install surge protectors, lightning rods, or a lightning protection system

SERVPRO of Mayes & Wagoner Counties repeats the warning, “When thunder roars, go indoors.”  You don’t have to wait for the thunder. If there is a thunderstorm warning, go inside. Once there:

• Unplug appliances
• Do not use landline phones in office or home
• Pay attention to alerts and warnings

If you can’t get inside a building:

• If you are swimming or in a boat, get to land immediately.  Find shelter
• If you are in a car, don’t touch anything metal
• “Turn around. Don’t Drown. '' Avoid flooded roads. 6 inches of moving water can knock you down. One foot of moving water can sweep away your car. 

A lightning strike during a thunderstorm can leave a wake of destruction in its path. This can range from minor electrical issues to fire damage. Lightning is also a major cause of injury or death from weather-related dangers.  Most people survive being hit by lightning, but they often have long-term problems. 

SERVPRO of Mayes & Wagoner Counties is independently owned and operated.