The 2021 Atlantic hurricane season can bring thunderstorms that have the potential to cause workplace and business disruptions. Knowing some facts about thunderstorms can contribute greatly to your collective safety. To keep yourself, your employees and your business safe, learn about the risks associated with thunderstorms with these tips from ServiceMaster by Reed of Dothan, Alabama.
Thunderstorms As a Threat to Your Business
Lightning always accompanies a thunderstorm, and with it comes hail, flash floods, powerful winds, power surges, structural damage and destructive fires. Of all weather-related hazards, lightning causes the most injuries and death. It is estimated that about 100,000 thunderstorms occur annually in the U.S. alone, according to the National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL).
It is therefore important for business owners to know how to deal with thunderstorms before they happen. The potential effects of thunderstorms to your business are discussed below.
Fires
- The National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) reports that an average of 22,600 fires are cause by lightning annually, resulting in several injuries and deaths and about 452 million dollars of direct property damage.
- If a lightning strike causes a fire near your place of business, call emergency services immediately.
Power Surges
- Powerlines, telephone wires or your office itself getting struck by lightning will create a strong electrical burst across wires and harm your electrical devices.
- Power surges can cause permanent damage to your computers, phone systems and other plugged-in appliances and equipment. Do not operate electrical equipment during a thunderstorm.
Structural Damage
- Structural damage from a thunderstorm can range from broken windows or roofing from fallen trees to lightning strikes or related fires.
- Some damages can leave your structure open to the elements, which could worsen existing damages or add more, such as flood or rainwater damage.
Preventing Lightning Damage to Your Business
Reduce the chances of lightning damage to your business by following the tips below.
- At the approach of a thunderstorm, all electronic devices in the office must be unplugged to prevent power surges.
- Contact the fire department at the event of a lightning strike hitting your building.
- Utilize grounding systems and surge protection devices in your office.
- Install a lightning rod to direct lightning strikes to one safe place.
- Trim trees or large branches that have the potential to fall or break during high winds.
- Train your staff about thunderstorm safety.
At the onset of thunderstorm damages, such as water damage, call a reputable restoration company to perform repairs and return your facility to pre-loss condition.
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Don't know what to do next? We do. Contact ServiceMaster by Reed today.