Thunderstorms! How should you prepare?
We're approaching summer, sunshine and warm weather, but as the temperature rises, so do the disadvantages. These include thunderstorms and lightning strikes, which can be dangerous for home appliances that use electricity. A lightning strike in the vicinity of the property or in the vicinity of the power grid connected to the property can cause a temporary voltage surge that can damage your home's electrical appliances.
Thunderstorms are among Norway's most dangerous weather phenomena.
The thunderstorm season in Norway begins in May and lasts until September. During these months, precipitation is also at its highest throughout Norway. Thunderstorms are among Norway's most dangerous weather phenomena. Hail, lightning, strong winds and flooding are among the dangers thunderstorms bring. Thunderstorms can kill, injure or cause fires, but material damage is most common.
For example, there are cases where large hailstones from thunderclouds have shattered car windows and dented the bodywork. No need to panic though, as long as you remember some basic guidelines. An old and safe safety precaution is to disconnect electrical appliances from their sockets during a thunderstorm, it's not enough to simply turn off the power at the switch.
Modern technology is sensitive to surges in the power grid that thunder can cause.
Technology most susceptible to damage includes computer technology, refrigerators and freezers. Lightning doesn't have to strike close to the property to cause damage to electrical appliances. Surges can travel several kilometers via power and telecom lines into buildings and damage electrical appliances that are connected to the power grid.
To protect your appliances, you can install sockets with lightning protection or connect surge protectors to the sockets to protect electrical appliances from any damage caused by lightning. If you want to use electrical appliances during a thunderstorm, it pays to get surge protectors.
It is possible to install surge protectors and lightning protection in new builds to protect your home from lightning strikes, so you don't have to worry about pulling the plug from the sockets or installing surge protectors.
Tips for thunderstorms:
- Disconnect electrical appliances.
- Do not swim outdoors and avoid open water.
- Avoid open areas when you are outside.
- Go indoors when a thunderstorm takes you by surprise.
- Avoid using the elevator due to possible power outages.
- Close doors and windows during a thunderstorm to prevent lightning from entering.
- Check if your insurance covers any damage caused by thunderstorms before the damage occurs.
Check the building's roof, chimney and windows for any damage.
Clean clogged gutters.
With thunder and bad weather also comes flooding.
Norway has the most precipitation in the summer months from July to August, and we at 24 Center have noticed that the need for street cleaning increases during these months. How should you prepare for flooding?
It pays to get a bilge pump for the basement well in advance, prepare yourself by familiarizing yourself with the pump and learning how to use it. Don't store electronics in the basement as they can easily be damaged by water and moisture. If water starts to enter the house, it is worthwhile to turn off the main power switch, to protect electrical appliances and electrical installations or to minimize the damage. Water can also enter the building through floor drains and sewers. You can seal them with sandbags, for example.
If this doesn't help and you have flooding at home, it's best to order a vacuum truck that can remove the water.
If you have flooding and need water flushing or suction, 24 Center can help you. Call 401 24 700! Damage caused by thunderstorms and lightning strikes should always be handled by professionals. Do not attempt to repair damage to the power grid caused by lightning strikes on your own.
Call 24 Center on 401 24 700 if you have suffered damage due to a thunderstorm or lightning strike. Customer service is open 24/7 and we are always ready to help you!
