We’ve been having a stretch of hot, humid weather in eastern Maine and from the forecast, it doesn’t look like it’s going to let up any time soon.  In addition to trying to stay cool, it looks like there’s some severe summer thunderstorms headed our way over the next few days.

Keep these tips in mind to stay safe during any upcoming severe weather:

Protect Yourself

• Stay inside and away from windows, doors, land line phones, concrete and metal walls or floors and indoor plumbing during a thunderstorm.  Avoid using cell phones.
• Stay out of pools and bodies of water during a thunderstorm.  If you’re boating or swimming, get to shore immediately.
• Stay away from trees or other tall objects.  Never lean against cars or houses.  Get into an enclosed building as quickly as possible.
• If your area is under a tornado warning, decide in advance where you will take shelter.  The safest places are a storm cellar, safe room, or the centermost part of your basement or home without windows.

Protect Your Family & Pets

• Doghouses are not lightning safe.  Always bring your pets indoors, and never leave them tied or chained outdoors during a thunderstorm.

Protect Your Vehicle

• In some storms, heavy rains can cause flash floods or road washouts.  Don’t drive through standing water – you don’t know how deep it may be or if the road is washed out underneath.
• If your area is under a tornado warning, stay out of your vehicle and get into a safe shelter.  Never try to outdrive a tornado.
• Fill your gas tank before a storm – power outages could shut down gas stations.

Protect Your Property

• Make sure to trim any trees hanging over your home or driveway.  Thunderstorms often bring heavy rain, wind or lightning that can knock dead or rotting limbs onto your roof or car.
• During a thunderstorm, always unplug any appliances or electronic equipment before the storm starts to prevent damage.
• If large hail is expected, close your curtains or blinds to prevent glass from coming in if a large piece of hail shatters a window.
• Review your homeowners insurance policy to make sure you have adequate coverage for your home or belongings.
• Put away or tie down items in your yard that could become flying debris if heavy winds pick up.

Tags: flood, forecast, hail, heat, hot, humid, insurance, lightning, Maine, power out, rain, safe, severe weather, summer, thunder, thunderstorm, tips, tornado, weather, wind

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