Storm Tips and Tricks

5/1/2018 (Permalink)

Count the number of seconds between seeing lightning and hearing thunder to get an idea of how far away a storm is and how long you still have before

Storm Tips and Tricks 

Storms or strong winds can cause a lot of bother and damage, so it pays to be prepared. Count the number of seconds between seeing lightning and hearing thunder to get an idea of how far away a storm is and how long you still have before it arrives. Every three seconds is roughly equivalent to one kilometre.

• Take patio furniture, bins, gardening tools and ornaments inside or secure them
• Close sunshades and put away parasols
• If you’re in the woods, seek shelter in a group of low trees and never stand under a tree standing on its own
• You are best protected in a car
• Don’t stand in front of an open window
• Unplug all electrical devices to prevent them being destroyed if lightning strikes
• Disconnect radio and TV cables
• Put your car in your garage or under your carport

Prevent hail damage

• Park your car in a garage or under a roof
• If you have to park your car outside, then protect it with a thick blanket
• Protect skylights with a thick blanket or old carpet
• Leave your pool cover open instead of closing it

Driving in a storm or hail storm

• Look for a safe, covered place and wait for the storm to pass
• If you cannot find shelter, then stop in a safe place and wait for the storm or hail storm to pass. This reduces the impact and damage