When a storm starts, it is always best to find shelter indoors. This is because heavy rains can create dangerous conditions for travel, and the presence of lightning can pose a threat to your safety.
Lightning strikes are dangerous and can even be fatal. When there is lightning outside, you should stay inside for safety. However, even in your home, lightning can be dangerous. If lightning strikes your home, the electricity can travel through your home and cause harm to you, your family and your property. At Champion Electric, we want you to be as safe as possible in your San Antonio home, especially during an electrical storm. Read on to learn more about how to stay safe during a lightning storm.
1. Stay Away from Electronics
During a storm it’s important that you practice electrical safety. This means that you should stay away from wired electronics such as computers, gaming systems, or chargers that are plugged into an outlet.
While battery operated and wireless electronics may be safe to use in a storm, it can be dangerous to use devices plugged into outlets. You should also unplug any unnecessary devices. This is because a lightning strike could cause an electrical fire to occur.
Additionally, it could cause a power surge which can then damage your electronics and wiring. You can protect your home and property from power surges with a surge protector, but it is still best to avoid electronic usage during storms.
2. Stay Away from Windows and Doors
During an electrical storm, it is important that you stay away from windows and doors. This is for multiple reasons.
For example, the metal surrounding doors and windows can conduct electricity. This means that if lightning strikes, it could be drawn to these metal features. By staying away from the doors and windows in your home, you can help yourself stay safe during a storm.
Furthermore, severe weather conditions such as strong winds during a storm can cause items to blow into your window, breaking them. If you are too close, you could be injured.
3. Pay Attention to Alerts
When a storm is taking place, you should pay attention to alerts about the situation. For these alerts you should pay attention to your local weather and news channels. You can do so with a radio, wireless phone or other battery-operated electronics.
Weather updates can let you know whether or not the storm is worsening or going away. It can also let you know how much longer to expect the storm to last. These facts are important because it will tell you if it is safe to leave your home and resume normal practices again.
Additionally, news updates can let you know if lightning has struck in your area or if the storm has led to other dangerous conditions like flooding or knocked down power lines.
4. Stay Away from Plumbing
During a storm you should avoid running water. This includes running the dishwasher, shower, toilet, washing machine, and other faucets. It is important to avoid the plumbing in your home because water can conduct electricity and lightning is capable of traveling through the pipes in your home.
By avoiding your plumbing during a storm, you can keep yourself safe in the event that lightning strikes your home.
5. Avoid Concrete
Concrete in your home such as walls or flooring may have metal wiring inside of it. This means that it could conduct electricity in the event of a lightning strike.
Because of this, you should stay off of any concrete in your home throughout the storm. Doing so can help improve your safety while indoors.
Call Champion Electric
At Champion Electric, we care about our customers, and we strive to be a company you can trust. If you are looking for a San Antonio electrician, we can help you. Visit Champion Electric to learn more about the electrical services that we provide.
