Summer Weather Events That Can Be Dangerous to You and Your Property

No matter where you live in the United States, the effects of the weather are often felt more in the summertime. Strong storms and crippling heatwaves regularly impact the East Coast. Seasonal temperature shifts mixed with rising global temperatures are a recipe for more extreme weather patterns in the coming months. For both property damage and personal safety, preparation is key to avoiding negative repercussions. We put together this guide, full of useful information that you can share with your clients, friends, and family to help them stay safe and prepare for the elements.

Hurricanes
Officially, the Atlantic Hurricane Season begins June 1st and lasts through November 30th. These periods are historically active with low-pressure systems known as tropical disturbances, of which Tropical Depressions and Hurricanes are the most prominent. These storms have devastating potential and should be treated with the utmost seriousness. They can ravage homes, businesses, and entire communities with high-forced winds and torrential flooding.

Heatwaves/Wildfires

No matter where you reside, there is an ever-increasing risk of record temperatures. These temperatures bring more than just discomfort, though. There are reports of property being warped in the heat,
especially in the areas where building material is not designed with high heat in mind. Additionally, heat can melt power cables and caused power outages. Heatwaves of this nature can even spark wildfires. There are measures you can take to best equip yourself and your families to make it through these conditions safely:

1. Most importantly: stay hydrated. Keep your body as healthy as
   possible, as these temperatures can bring on a bevy of health-related
   issues like heat exhaustion. Always wear sunscreen when going
   outside, especially on days when UV exposure is at its highest.
2. Be wary of rising electric bills as AC units will undoubtedly be
   working harder to cool down homes and businesses. Have freon levels
   checked and change your filters regularly.
3. If your property is affected by the temperature spikes, PuroClean
   restoration professionals can help return it to pre-loss condition.

Flooding
A common theme in summer is frequent rainfall. As temperatures rise in the oceans, storms become stronger and more frequent. Sudden storms can deposit large amounts of water in a very short time,
resulting in flash floods in low-lying areas. When the ground becomes saturated, the excess water has nowhere to go. This is more common the closer you are to any body of water, including retention ponds,
canals, rivers, lakes, and of course the coast. Flash floods can pose a severe threat to those on the roadways or in lower elevations. If you find yourself in a flash flood, seek sturdy shelter and/or high ground immediately. Property can be restored, but human life cannot. Once you make it to safety, you can concern yourself with restoring any property damaged in floodwaters. PuroClean specializes in water damage remediation and will help mitigate the situation.

Tornadoes
Tornadoes are a phenomenon caused when rising hot air meets falling cooler air. This often happens during severe rainstorms, although it’s not a requirement for them to spawn. Most tornadoes don’t lift houses into the air but instead do heavy damage to buildings, produce flying debris, and cause injuries or worse. They often form with very little warning, so it is essential that you know what to do before you
encounter one. If you’re in a house, avoid windows and go to the lowest area, like the basement. If there is no basement, go to the lowest floor in a room with no windows, such as a bathroom or inner hallway. Get under some form of protection like a sturdy table. Cover yourself with thick padding, such as a blanket or mattress. If you’re in a car or outdoors, don’t try to outrun a tornado. Get out of the car and find shelter in low ground or in a nearby building. Don’t go under bridges or highway overpasses. If you can’t get to a safe place, protect your head with your arms and cover your body with whatever you find, such as a coat or blanket. Crouch as low as possible facing down and cover your head with your hands.

Lightning
According to the National Weather Service, an average of 33 people die each year from lightning strikes in the US (using data from 2006 to2018.) It is imperative to seek shelter during a thunderstorm for your own safety. Never stay outside in a field when you hear thunder, even if you don’t see lightning, and don’t try to take shelter under a tree or tower. If you are inside, stay away from windows and doors, and
don’t touch anything that uses electricity, such as TVs, computers, and cords.

PuroClean is a full-service restoration franchise network. As a leader in property emergency services, PuroClean helps families and businesses overcome the devastating setbacks caused by water, fire,
mold, and other weather conditions which result in property damage. PuroClean of Massapequa pledges to do whatever it takes to respond, restore and rescue properties in all of the communities we
serve, including Hicksville, Levittown, Bethpage, Old Bethpage, Plainedge, Seaford, Wantagh, and Massapequa. Call us 24/7 at (516) 604-1200.