7 top tips to stay safe in a thunderstorm

Thunderstorms can be dangerous and daunting, especially when they strike with strong winds and lightning. Severe weather is a natural hazard that can happen at any time of the year, even in places like Great Britain. It can bring hail, snowstorms, and sometimes even tornadoes. Being prepared and informed is critical to staying safe during severe weather. 

7 Powerful Tips to Stay Safe in a Thunderstorm

The unpredictable nature of these storms makes it important to follow best practices for storm safety to protect yourself and your loved ones. Climate change has made these storms more powerful, increasing their impact on lives, homes, and properties. 

If you are out walking and a storm approaches, seek shelter immediately, as tornadoes and sudden strikes can be life-threatening. Taking necessary steps in advance, such as securing your home, avoiding exposed areas, and knowing the keys to staying safe, can make a significant difference. 

This article provides essential tips to help you prepare and stay safe in all types of storms.

Stay Indoors and Secure Your Space

When a storm approaches, the safest place to be is inside a sturdy building where you are shielded from strong winds and large hail. If you are outside, changing plans and seeking shelter is necessary, as broken trees, torn-down billboards, and flying objects can endanger lives.

 Storm warnings are issued for a reason, and you should stay inside and not go outdoors unless it is necessary. Keep windows closed and do not stand close to them, as wind can break glass, leading to serious injuries. Use shutters or plywood as a temporary measure to cover windows and prevent damage to your home. 

Power outages are common during extreme weather, so have a torch ready and never leave a burning candle unattended for fire safety. Unplug unnecessary electrical devices to protect them from lightning strikes and power surges, which can cause potential damage to electronics. 

To keep family members safe, assign a safe room, preferably one without windows, where everyone can stay protected from the elements. Sealing doors can also help keep rainwater out and reduce damage to your home.

 Stay Away from Floodwaters

Floodwaters may seem harmless, but they are deceptively dangerous. Even shallow water can carry a significant risk as it moves swiftly, making it easy to lose balance and get swept away. There are hidden hazards like debris, sharp objects, and tree branches, which create dangerous obstacles. Worse, the water is often contaminated with sewage, chemicals, and pollutants, leading to serious health issues upon contact. 

Always avoid walking or driving in floodwaters because vehicles—even small SUVs—can be easily swept away in just 1 foot of deep water. If a road is flooded, turn around and seek an alternate route to prioritize safety rather than risking your life trying to reach your destination.

Keep children and pets away from flooded areas since they are vulnerable to strong currents. It is crucial to recognize dangers and remember that safety is paramount. 

Respect warnings and only return when authorities say it is safe to return, as deep water can hide a washed-away road, overwhelmed culverts, or collapsed bridges. 

River flooding is common after heavy rain in places like the Mississippi, Missouri, and Ohio rivers. Flash flooding happens suddenly, especially in higher terrain such as the Mountain West during summer thunderstorms. 

If you’re hiking, camping, or near a dry river bed or slot canyon, stay aware of the weather forecast. A flash flood warning means you must get to higher ground immediately, as these floods can be deadly, like the May 2020 flash flood that killed two hikers in Utah.

Understanding Storm Warnings

Being aware of storm warnings helps you stay informed about severe weather conditions and take prompt action when needed. Weather agencies issue different alerts based on the severity and immediacy of a storm.

 Storm watches mean conditions are favorable, so you should stay prepared, while warnings indicate a storm is imminent or already occurring, requiring immediate action. Advisories are less severe but may still cause inconvenience and pose some danger. 

With climate change, storms are becoming frequent and stronger each year, increasing the potential weather threats. To reduce risks, it’s crucial to follow a series of critical steps, such as securing property, making an emergency plan, and understanding tornado warnings, thunderstorm warnings, and flood watches.

During a storm, staying informed through local radio, TV, government news websites, and bad weather warnings is essential. Stay inside, keep internal doors closed, and avoid walking near trees, walls, or fences, as they may collapse due to strong winds. 

Protect possessions by securing belongings and not attempting repairs during a storm in progress. If heavy rain causes flooding, move to the highest level of the building, such as attic spaces, but avoid the roof unless necessary.

 If trapped in floodwater, call 999 and wait for help. Public transport may be disrupted, so plan accordingly. Keep animals inside with sufficient food, bedding, and fresh water, as the RSPCA advises.

 Taking these precautions can help safeguard lives and mitigate potential damages during extreme weather.

Preparation Before the Storm

Being adequately prepared for a storm can make a critical difference in your safety and comfort. Start by gathering essential items and assembling a comprehensive emergency kit to sustain your family for at least 72 hours.

 Store it in the most interior room, like a basement, if available, and ensure that you do not stand near windows, as strong winds can lift debris and cause injuries. A well-stocked emergency stash prevents the risk of running low on vital supplies during a serious emergency, especially if access to medical supplies is interrupted.

Emergency Checklist:

• Non-perishable food (e.g., canned goods, energy bars)
• Water (1 gallon per person per day)
• Flashlights & extra batteries
• First-aid kit & necessary medications (7-day supply)
• Multi-tool for various tasks
• Sanitation items (hand sanitizer, garbage bags, moist towelettes)
• Important documents (IDs, insurance policies, bank records) in a waterproof container
• Cash, as ATMs, may not work during power outages
• Local maps or GPS, in case digital navigation is not available

Make it a habit to check your kit regularly and replace expired items to ensure everything is in working order when needed. Proper preparation can reduce the risks and keep your family emergency plan effective.

Avoid Windows

During a thunderstorm, staying away from windows is crucial to minimize risk and prevent injury from shatter glass and flying shards. Strong winds, heavy rain, and hail can break windows, sending dangerous debris into your living space. 

If possible, reinforce them with shutters or cover them with plywood for added protection. The safest option is to gather in an interior room or a basement, maintaining a safe distance from all glass openings. Do NOT lean against walls, lie on concrete floors, or touch metal wires, bars, or flooring, as lightning can travel through these materials. 

Be cautious near doors and porches, as they can also be vulnerable to significant dangers. Taking these before the storm measures can make a difference in keeping you and your family safe.

Safety During the Storm

During a storm, it is crucial to find safe shelter in a sturdy building and stay away from windows and doors to avoid injury from broken glass or flying debris. If indoors, move to an interior room, lowest floor, basement, or a small windowless room to stay safe.

 If caught outside and cannot reach shelter, lie flat in a ditch or low-lying area, covering your head and arms to protect yourself. Never take shelter under trees or in caves, as lightning can strike nearby.

 Mobile homes may not withstand strong winds, making them unsafe during power outages and extreme weather. Always take the quickest route to safety and minimize potential hazards by seeking refuge in the safest possible place.

Handling Power Outages

During extreme weather, electricity often goes out, so it is wise to prepare before the storm. Unplug electrical devices like computers, laptops, game systems, washers, dryers, and stoves to prevent damage from power surges caused by lightning. If possible, equip your home with whole-house surge protectors to protect appliances. 

Always keep your phone charged, as you might need it to contact family or emergency services. Stock up on battery-operated essentials like radios, fans, and flashlights, and use them instead of candles to reduce fire risks.

To stay informed and comfortable, keep a radio with working batteries handy, as television reception may be lost. Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed to preserve food for as long as possible. 

If using generators, only use them outside, far from windows, to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Do NOT stand near metal wires, bars, concrete walls, or flooring, as lightning can travel through electrical systems and cause harm.

Conclusion

Thunderstorms are a natural hazard that can strike any time of the year, bringing thunder, lightning, strong winds, and heavy rain. Whether you are out walking or at home, it is critical to stay prepared and informed to protect yourself and your loved ones. 

By following the best practices of storm safety, such as staying indoors, avoiding floodwaters, and handling power outages properly, you can make a significant difference in staying safe. 

Severe weather can be unpredictable and powerful, but taking the necessary steps to prepare before the storm can help mitigate potential damage to homes and properties. As climate change leads to more frequent and intense storms, it is important to recognize the dangers and take immediate action when needed.

FAQs

1. What should I do if I am outside when a thunderstorm starts?

Seek safe shelter in a sturdy building immediately. Avoid trees, open fields, and metal structures. If no shelter is available, lie flat in a low-lying area and cover your head and arms.

2. How can I protect my home from strong winds and hail?

Secure windows with shutters or plywood, reinforce doors and stay away from glass to minimize the risk of injury from flying debris.

3. Why is it dangerous to drive through floodwaters?

Floodwaters can be deceptively dangerous, as even shallow water can sweep away vehicles. Always turn around and seek an alternate route if a road is flooded.

4. How can I stay safe during a power outage?

Unplug electrical devices to prevent power surges, use battery-powered flashlights instead of candles, and keep refrigerators closed to preserve food.

5. What emergency supplies should I have before a storm?

Prepare a comprehensive emergency kit with non-perishable food, water, flashlights, batteries, a first-aid kit, necessary medications, and important documents in a waterproof container.