08 Mar How To Prepare For A Severe Thunderstorm
Posted at 17:58h
in News
Storms • Hail Storms • Be Prepared
As Spring is upon us, that historically means thunderstorms, and certainly hail storms as well as even severe ones, aren’t far behind. These types of storms can usually bring about lightning, damaging high winds, and even large hail or tornadoes. We have already seen recent hail storms provide damage this is historic for many local communities.
If you’re anticipating a thunderstorm in your area, or here in the Upstate — Greenville / Spartanburg, — we’ve outlined a basic safety plan for you and your family to follow. Many look to follow hail clouds thinking they will always give warning, that is not always the case. Hail storm data of late is giving weather reporting services much more opportunity to provide advance warning.
Before the storm:
Always be prepared. Make sure you have the essentials like non-perishable foods, flashlights, batteries, a AM/FM radio, and a generator if your have one. Make sure to secure any outdoor furniture or other objects which could blow into your home causing damage to your siding, gutters, and roof. Make sure your windows are completely shut and locked and close all blinds, shades or curtains.
During the storm:
Avoid contact with phones with cords and other corded devices which may be plugged into electrical outlets for recharging. Make sure to unplug appliances and other major electrical items such as computers, televisions, or air conditioners. Also, avoid taking showers or baths during major thunderstorms as water and even plumbing electricity can conduct electricity. Stay away from windows and doors. Look for a safe interior room to take shelter in while you wait out the storm.
As we enter into the storm season, be mindful and caution when you hear a severe thunderstorm warning. We all know the sound of that alarming sounds when the screen turns different colors and we hear the emergency broadcast network issues the warning in the middle of our Sunday evening football game. But what is it exactly?
What is a severe thunderstorm warning?
A severe thunderstorm — a storm that can cause damaging winds and hail (hail storms), floods or tornadoes — is issued by the National Weather Service when conditions are favorable for severe storms to develop in a specific area. A thunderstorm like this by definition is one which produces one inch damaging hail or larger, or winds exceeding 58 miles per hour. The size of the watch can depend on the weather situation. If you hear a thunderstorm warning this Spring, please make sure you stay tuned and follow all local safety precautions.
We encourage you to check out this National Geographic Hail Storm Video by checking HERE. The imagery of falling hail as large as baseballs and softballs is riveting and the storm teams even relate to the potential hail damage caused by hail this size. We must warn you however, there is strong language in a few occasions.
At Reeves Construction – Roofing – Siding – Gutters – Windows – we are a local company based in Greenville / Spartanburg who cares about the safety of your family and safety. As your hometown roofing, siding, gutters and window company, we are here to help should you experience storm related damage, hail damage or damaging wind or downed debris.
REEVES CONSTRUCTION, INC.
GENERAL CONTRACTOR
REEVES ROOF & GUTTERS – Hail Damage
Serving Georgia, the Carolinas and Eastern Tennessee
Toll Free: 866-592-3632
Serving to meet the needs of these great cities:
Greenville / Spartanburg
South Carolina: Greenville, Spartanburg, Union, Easley, Greer, Murrells Inlet, Charleston, Myrtle Beach
North Carolina: Charlotte, Waxhaw, Greenville, Rockville
Georgia: Atlanta Metro Area, Stockbridge, College Park, Columbus, Jonesboro, Macon
Eastern Tennessee: Nashville, Knoxville