Severe Thunderstorm Preparation

While nearly everyone deals with thunderstorms at some point, some thunderstorms are certainly more destructive than others. Here are a few tips to prepare yourself and your home for dealing with thunderstorms and their aftermath.

Heavy Thunderstorm Rains

• Remove debris from home's exterior
  Clear any debris from all culverts and drains before the thunderstorm begins. Also, be sure gutters and downspouts are unclogged.
  
• Move items in basement
  If your basement is prone to flooding, move things upstairs or raise them off the floor. Protect items in the long-term by purchasing heavy duty, waterproof, plastic storage containers.

Power Outages and Spikes

• Remember flashlights
  Keep working flashlights with spare batteries on hand. Make sure everyone knows how to safely get to a flashlight if the power fails.
  
• Locate candles
  Verify availability and location of candles and lanterns in case a power outage lasts a while.
  
• Warn children of power lines
  Review with children the danger of downed power lines.
  
• Unplug electronic equipment
  Unplug all electronic equipment that is plugged directly into wall sockets. All electronic appliances, from televisions to computers to microwave ovens, can be damaged or ruined by electrical surges associated with storms.

  It's best to only leave one lamp plugged in to avoid problems from a power surge when the power comes back on.

  The best long-term protection against thunderstorms is to plug such appliances into special "surge protecting" power strips that automatically disconnect the appliance when lightning causes a surge of power to come through your home's electrical wiring.

High Thunderstorm Winds

• Secure storm shutters
  Close storm shutters if you have them. Most modern shutters don't actually close and are for decorative purposes only.
  
• Protect outdoor furniture and other outdoor items
  Move lightweight play equipment, trash cans, outdoor furniture, and umbrellas to shelter. If this isn't convenient, tie several such items together to reduce the odds of them becoming dangerous projectiles during the storm.
  
• Shelter all vehicles
  Move vehicles to the garage or carport to avoid falling branches and hail.