Call SERVPRO of West Knoxville if you have any kind of loss! Please Contact Us. Lightning can strike 10 miles away from the center of a storm, even in an area where no rain is falling. You may want to try one of the following alternatives: As storms are moving into our area SERVPRO of Oak Ridge wants our community to know what to do during severe weather as well as how to minimize damage that your home can potentially face. What should you do when the lightning and thunder stops and it looks likes the severe thunderstorm is over? Many people struck by lightning are not in the area where rain is occurring. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Watch your animals closely. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Stay in the vehicle and turn on the emergency flashers until the heavy rain ends. The National Weather Service recommends staying inside for at least 30 minutes after the last thunder clap. – All services in the U.S. performed by independently owned and operated franchises of Servpro Industries, LLC. Keep away from windows. If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be in danger from lightning. Postpone outdoor activities. Get inside a home, building, or hard top automobile (not a convertible). Continue to listen to a NOAA Weather Radio or to local radio and television stations for updated information or instructions, as access to roads or some parts of the community may be blocked. © Servpro Industries (Canada) ULC – All services in Canada performed by independently owned and operated franchises of Servpro Industries (Canada) ULC. Get out of mobile homes that can blow over in high winds. If a severe thunderstorm warning is issued, take shelter in a substantial building or in a vehicle with the windows closed. Prepare an emergency supply kit. Avoid electrical equipment and telephones. US Dept of Commerce In fact, many people get struck by lightning after the storm has passed because they mistakenly believe they are out of danger. Stay away from downed power lines and report them immediately. Keep a close eye on your animals. Never drive through a flooded roadway. Learn about your local community’s emergency warning system for severe thunderstorms. You cannot predict how deep the water may be. All NOAA. National Weather Service To be safe, stay inside for … From the Oak Ridge Fire Department, “Many residences no longer have home phones but rely on their cell phone for communication. Postpone outdoor activities if thunderstorms are likely to occur. Ready.gov and the National Weather Service are two excellent resources for information on this topic if you'd like to research further. Never drive through a flooded roadway. Safety1325 East West HighwaySilver Spring, MD 20910Comments? © Servpro Industries, LLC. If a severe thunderstorm warning is issued, take shelter in a substantial building or in a vehicle with the windows closed. Stay tuned to the weather radio. We are open 24/7, 365! If thunder roars, go indoors! Have a safe and enjoyable summer! Keep them under your direct control. To have the optimal experience while using this site, you will need to update your browser. Questions? Resist the urge to go look at storm damaged areas. (865) 483-3911. Avoid touching metal or other surfaces that conduct electricity in and outside the vehicle. Individuals can now text the keyword ‘OAKRIDGE’, without a space, to 99411, and receive a response back containing the Community Notification Enrollment (CNE) link for the City of Oak Ridge.” To learn more about this program please click, Discuss thunderstorm safety and lightning safety with all members of your household, Pick a safe place in your home for household members to gather during a thunderstorm This should be away from windows, skylights and glass doors that could be broken by strong winds or hail, Make a list of items to bring inside in the event of a severe thunderstorm, Make trees and shrubbery more wind resistant by keeping them trimmed and removing damaged branches, Protect your animals by ensuring that any outside buildings that house them are protected in the same way as your home, Consult your local fire department if you are considering installing lightning rods, Get trained in first aid and learn how to respond to emergencies, Put together an emergency preparedness kit. Shutter windows and close outside doors securely. Talk with your family or coworkers about where you will go during extreme weather. Help people who may require special assistance, such as infants, children and the elderly or disabled. If you are outside and cannot reach a safe building, avoid high ground; water; tall, isolated trees; and metal objects such as fences or bleachers. Use battery-powered TVs and radios instead. Know the safest place... 2. What to do now 1. If you are driving, try to safely exit the roadway and park. Stay away from storm-damaged areas to keep from putting yourself at risk from the effects of severe thunderstorms. Stay Weather Ready: Continue to listen to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio to stay updated about severe thunderstorm... At Your House: Go to your secure location if you hear a severe thunderstorm warning.