Thunderstorms and Lightning

Thunderstorms can occur anywhere and at any time. Lightning kills around 80 people each year and injures 500 more. That's more than the number of people killed annually by tornadoes and hurricanes combined!

Your home, your castle

Lightning can cause major damage to your property, so being prepared for the storm will help keep your home intact.

Though thunderstorms can appear out of nowhere, there are things you can do now to prepare:

• Remove dead or rotting trees that could fall on your house if it is struck by lightning
• Know the weather before beginning any trip or adventure and plan accordingly
  
• Put your whole house on a surge-protection system
  
• Unplug any appliances or electronic equipment before a thunderstorm threatens
  

Act quickly, but don't panic

If a thunderstorm occurs, the first thing to know is the 30/30 lightning rule. When you see a flash of lightning, start counting. If you don't make it to 30 before hearing the thunder, go indoors. Then, stay indoors for 30 minutes after hearing the last boom of thunder.

Other precautions you can take:

• Seek shelter when you first see dark clouds or lightning, or hear thunder.
  
• Get inside a completely enclosed building immediately if one is accessible. Don’t go into a carport, open garage or covered patio.
  
• If you can’t find a completely enclosed building, find a hardtop, all-metal vehicle.
  
• Squat low to the ground. Place your hands on your knees with your head between them. Make yourself the smallest target possible.
  
• Get weather updates from NOAA Weather Radio.
  
• Avoid leaning against vehicles. Get off bicycles and motorcycles.
  
• Get out of water and avoid metal. They both can carry an electrical current.
  
• If you're in a group of people, spread out.
  
• Take care of your pets. Dog houses aren't lightning-safe, and dogs that are tied to trees or other tall objects can also be hit by lightning.
  
• Don't use your cell phone during a thunderstorm.
  
  

If you're inside when a storm hits:

• Avoid contact with corded phones, electrical equipment and plumbing. Don't wash your hands, take a shower, wash dishes or do laundry.
  
• Stay away from windows, doors and concrete items.
  

If you're outdoors:

• Don’t seek shelter in partially open buildings.
  
• Stay away from tall, isolated objects.
  
• If you're driving during a thunderstorm, get off the roadway. A lightning bolt could hit your car and temporarily blind you.
  
• If you're boating or swimming, get to shore right away.
  
  

This information is meant to help you make decisions that may reduce your risk. Of course, we can't note every possible risk, and we can’t guarantee that these tips will work for you. However, we hope that if you use some of them, you'll better protect your family and yourself.

Contact your Nationwide insurance agent to make sure you're properly covered if a catastrophe strikes.