Thunderstorm Safety Tips

Thunderstorm Safety Tips

Staying Safe and Preparing for Thunderstorms

Millions of thunderstorms happen each year.1 And the damages they cause can be severe. Knowing what to do when a storm is headed your way can make all the difference in keeping you – and your property – protected.
Thunderstorm Safety Tips

What Is a Thunderstorm?

A thunderstorm is a rain shower where you’ll hear thunder. Since thunder comes from lightning, all thunderstorms have lightning.2

When Do Thunderstorms Occur?

Thunderstorms usually happen on spring and summer afternoons or evenings, but they can happen year-round and at any time.

What’s the Difference Between a Watch, Advisory and Warning?

Watch

A Watch is issued when a weather event may occur, though its specific impact is still unclear. Watches are typically issued hours or days ahead of the event, which is when you should start preparing safety plans.

Advisory

An Advisory is when the weather event is happening or is very likely to happen. Though its impact is expected to be potentially dangerous, an advisory usually means the event will be less extreme than when a warning occurs.

Advertencia

A Warning means the weather event is happening, is about to happen or is extremely likely to happen. A warning signifies that the storm poses risk to life and property. If there’s a hurricane warning, stay inside and adhere to your local safety precautions.

How To Protect Your Property From Thunderstorms

Even though they’re common events, thunderstorms can cause devastating damage. In addition to heavy wind and rain, thunderstorms can bring enormous hail and powerful tornadoes that can destroy roofs, vehicles and property.3 Knowing what to do before, during and after the worst of the storm can make all the difference in preventing devastating losses.
To reduce the potential for injuries and property damage, know what to do before the storm comes.
 
  • Secure your home as best as possible by trimming tree limbs, clearing your gutters, bringing in outside furniture and boarding up windows.
  • Determine the safest place to shelter in your home.
  • Make sure your phone is charged and that you can access emergency alerts if you lose power.
  • Create a communication plan with everyone in your home.
  • Sign up for local weather alerts.
  • For senior adults o those with disabilities, be sure to set up assistance with someone who can help you. 
  • Pack an emergency bag with essential items you may need.
Having a plan in place will help you stay safe during the worst of the weather.
 
  • If you hear thunder, go indoors and stay there.
  • Listen to emergency alerts and adhere to their instructions.
  • Avoid running water or using landline phones since electricity can travel through plumbing and phone lines.
  • Stay away from water and get inside.
  • Avoid flooded roadways. Just six inches of fast-moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
Make sure you’re protected even after the storm is over.
 

If You’re Inside

  • Shelter in a sturdy structure.
  • Unplug unnecessary appliances.
  • Have a battery-powered flashlight ready in case you lose power.
  • Close curtains or shutters to protect yourself from potential broken glass.

If You’re in a Car

  • Pull over and put on your hazard lights if visibility is poor.
  • Stay inside your vehicle with your seatbelt buckled.
  • Do not drive through flooded roads (the  water may be deeper than it seems).

If You’re Outside

  • Avoid anything metal, such as flag poles or fences.
  • Shelter under shorter bushes or trees. Tall trees are more likely to be struck by lightning or have falling debris.
The Hartford's catastrophe team video

How Our Catastrophe Recovery Team Helps

Our claims professionals track major storms and deploy our Mobile Response Teams to the most devastating events. In addition to filing and resolving claims on site, our vehicles provide essential products, like diapers, charging stations, food and listening ears – our way of offering comfort in the chaos.

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We’re here for you 24/7. If you’ve experienced property damage or need assistance, you can start your claim online or reach us at 800-243-5860.
 
 
1 “Thunderstorm Hazards,” National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
 
2 “Severe Weather 101 – Thunderstorms,” NOAA National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL)
 
3 “Calculating the Cost of Weather and Climate Disasters,” NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information