Tips for weathering summer storms

Ellen Costello

Contributing Author

Jul. 3, 2023

2 min read

Ellen Costello is a longtime Delmarva resident who spends her free time getting outdoors with her children and their beloved (and very active) dog for adventures in the region’s outstanding parks and ...

Summer can bring unsettled weather to Delmarva, now more than ever. We have all seen the damage they can cause, destroying homes, uprooting trees and shattering windows. So what can you do to protect yourself?

Stay alert and monitor the weather

First, be alert and keep an eye on the weather. If you hear thunder, you are within range of lightning, which can strike from 10 miles away. Invest in an inexpensive weather radio that will sound an alert in the event of a severe weather threat. This could be lifesaving if a dangerous storm or tornado emerges while you’re sleeping.

Stay away from windows and anything that can conduct electricity

If you’re at home during a storm with a lot of lightning, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) says to stay away from windows, doors and anything that might conduct electricity such as wiring, plumbing and anything connected to these. This is not the time to use anything that is plugged in.

Take precautions if caught outside during a storm

The scariest scenario is being caught outside during a severe storm with no safe shelter nearby. A vehicle is an option, but if you can’t even find a car, be prepared to take these actions that FEMA says could reduce your risk:

Never shelter under tall objects such as an isolated tree, tower or utility pole — those could act as lightning rods.
Immediately get off elevated areas such as hills — find the lowest ground possible.
Immediately get out and away from ponds, lakes and other bodies of water, which can conduct electricity.
Stay away from objects that conduct electricity — look out for wires and fences.
If you’re in a boat, get to land as soon as possible.
Never lie flat on the ground. Lying on the ground might seem safest, but if a lightning strike happens near you, you’re exposing more of your body to the shock.

Tornado watches and warnings: Know what they mean

Keep in mind that sometimes, violent thunderstorms bring the risk of destructively strong winds and tornadoes. If you are in an area under a tornado watch, take action and find a safe, interior room. If you hear a tornado warning, that’s an emergency — a likely tornado has been sighted by the National Weather Service. Do not delay in finding the safest shelter possible.

Take cover

Make sure you are in a lower level, interior room with as few windows as possible. Cover your body with a blanket, sleeping bag or mattress, and if you have something sturdy nearby like a heavy table or workbench, get underneath it. Protect your head.

Take shelter in a sturdy building

Mobile, manufactured, trailer homes and RVs are not safe in high winds. If you live in one of these structures, find a sturdy building nearby that you can get to quickly. This is very important — make a plan now so you’re ready in the event of a storm.

Don’t try to outrun a tornado

If you are caught outside, seek shelter inside a sturdy building immediately if a tornado is approaching. Sheds, tents and storage facilities are not safe, says the National Weather Service. Also dangerous: being in a vehicle during a tornado. Don’t try to outrun a tornado — they are fast. Find the closest building. If you’re in the middle of nowhere, which can definitely happen on Delmarva, the NWS suggests that you get down in your car and cover your head, or abandon your car and seek shelter in a low-lying area such as a ditch or ravine.

Have a plan before the storm

Figuring out a plan during a storm is not ideal. That’s why you should take a few minutes — maybe on a calm, rainy day — and make a plan. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security can help you create one.

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