They start dark, they grow dangerous and their severe winds, bolts of lightning and resulting flash flooding can quickly turn deadly. Our pets sense their pending arrival long before we see the lightning flashes, or hear the thunder. How can that be? Lightning sets off long reaching static electricity that our dogs can sense. Amazing too, dogs sense the drop in barometric pressure that comes with changing weather. With all these senses firing at once, your dog can be a tell-tale warning system when a storm is approaching. Cats aren’t about to be left behind either. Cats' inner ears also detect the sudden fall in atmospheric pressure and their hearing is far more sensitive to sounds than ours. Another clue. Birds scramble to eat prior to a coming storm to secure enough food and seek cover to wait out storms.
Take Precautions Early. Ryan Watson, Paul Davis of Fort Worth, Texas brings solid advice gleaned from years of experience. “Before your animals sound the alert , take these steps now, well before a thunderstorm arrives. You’ll be relieved you did. Look around your home or commercial properties. Identify threatening trees and cut them back or down to lessen the danger of falling on your home and other buildings. Install surge protectors to protect against damage to all appliances and electronic devices. If you, like me, live in an area prone to regular lightning strikes, consider lightning rods or a lightning protection system for your property.”
Plan Ahead. Create and discuss an emergency plan so you, your family or co-workers know what to do, where to go (home or someplace more secure) and how to adequately protect against the more dangerous effects of a thunderstorm. More wise advice from Watson, “Staying outside is never a good idea; better to get into a car or truck if that’s the only alternative nearby. Identify sturdy buildings close to where you live, work, study or play if time is short.”
Avoid These Mistakes. Another tip from Watson. “Using electronic devices connected to an electrical outlet that can have power surges is a bad idea during storms. So is using corded phones or taking a bath or shower, or running any water.” Lying or leaning on concrete floors and walls during the storm is not advised. Nor is being on a porch or near windows and exterior doors.” More advice, avoid walking outside following the storm which could have downed wires, especially after dark.
Obviously, widespread and severe storms can bring damage to many homes and commercial properties at once. Your local Paul Davis Restoration company can bring in extra support from affiliated Paul Davis operations outside the area to help you and many others mitigate against further damage, plus start necessary restoration work. For residential service call 888-473-7669 anywhere in the U.S. Or in Canada 800-661-5975. For commercial services throughout North America call 844-215-7898. Your call will be answered 24/7/365 with response and expert help quickly arranged.