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Severe Summer Storms: Preparing for Thunderstorms, Flooding, and Power Outages
Late summer can produce rapidly changing weather. Severe thunderstorms, damaging winds, lightning, heavy rainfall, flash flooding, and power outages can develop with relatively little warning.
For families and communities, severe weather preparedness begins before the first warning is issued.
Knowing where to receive reliable information, where to shelter, what supplies are available, and what hazards to avoid can make a significant difference when conditions deteriorate.
Know the Difference Between a Watch and a Warning
Understanding weather alerts is an important part of preparedness.
A watch generally means conditions are favorable for hazardous weather to develop. It is a signal to remain alert and review your plans.
A warning means hazardous weather is occurring, imminent, or detected and protective action may be necessary.
Do not wait until severe weather arrives to determine where you will go or what you will need.
Families should have multiple ways to receive emergency information, including official weather alerts and local emergency notifications.
Know Where to Shelter
During severe thunderstorms and damaging winds, move indoors and away from windows.
A basement or interior room on a lower level may provide greater protection during particularly dangerous wind conditions. Avoid rooms with large exterior windows whenever possible.
If you are outdoors when a thunderstorm approaches, seek substantial enclosed shelter. Pavilions, tents, dugouts, trees, and other partially open structures do not provide the same protection as a substantial building.
If you can hear thunder, lightning is close enough to be a concern.
Never Underestimate Floodwater
Flash flooding can transform streets, underpasses, parking areas, and low-lying locations into dangerous environments very quickly.
Never attempt to drive through a flooded roadway when you cannot determine the water's depth or the condition of the road underneath it.
Moving water can create hazards that are difficult to judge from inside a vehicle.
Pedestrians should also avoid walking into floodwater. Water may conceal open drains, damaged pavement, debris, electrical hazards, or other dangerous conditions.
If officials close a roadway or direct residents away from an area, follow those instructions.
Prepare for Power Outages
Severe storms can interrupt electrical service for hours or, during significant events, considerably longer.
Every household should maintain basic emergency supplies.
Consider having:
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Flashlights
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Extra batteries
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Portable phone chargers
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Drinking water
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Nonperishable food
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Necessary medications
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First aid supplies
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Battery-powered or hand-crank emergency radio
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Copies of important contact information
Avoid relying exclusively on your cellphone for emergency information.
Keeping portable power banks charged before storms arrive can provide an additional communication backup.
Generator Safety Matters
Portable generators can provide emergency electricity, but improper use can create deadly carbon monoxide hazards.
Generators should never be operated inside homes, garages, basements, sheds, or other enclosed or partially enclosed spaces.
They must be operated outdoors and positioned according to manufacturer safety instructions, away from doors, windows, vents, and other openings where exhaust could enter an occupied building.
Homes should also have functioning carbon monoxide alarms.
Never attempt improvised electrical connections that could endanger occupants, utility workers, or emergency responders.
Be Ready for Medical Needs
Power outages can become particularly serious for people who depend on electrically powered medical equipment or medications requiring refrigeration.
Households with these needs should develop backup plans before an outage occurs.
Know whom to contact, understand equipment battery capabilities, and identify alternate locations where essential medical needs can be supported.
Emergency planning should also consider older adults, children, pets, and anyone who may require additional assistance.
Stay Away From Downed Power Lines
After a severe storm, assume every downed wire is energized.
Do not touch a downed line or anything that may be in contact with it, including fences, trees, vehicles, or standing water.
Keep others away and report the hazard to the appropriate authorities.
Storm cleanup should begin only after the immediate environment has been assessed for hazards.
Preparedness Takeaways
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Know the difference between severe weather watches and warnings.
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Have multiple ways to receive emergency alerts.
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Identify your safest indoor shelter location before a storm.
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Go indoors when thunderstorms approach.
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Never drive or walk through flooded areas.
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Keep flashlights, batteries, water, food, medications, and first aid supplies available.
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Charge phones and portable battery packs before severe weather arrives.
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Operate portable generators only in appropriate outdoor locations.
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Maintain working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
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Stay away from downed power lines and storm-damaged electrical equipment.
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Develop backup plans for essential medical equipment.
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Check on family members or neighbors who may need additional assistance.
Preparedness Before the Storm
Severe weather emergencies demonstrate why preparedness cannot begin after something goes wrong.
A household that already has emergency supplies, communication procedures, basic first aid knowledge, and a plan for power loss is better positioned to respond safely when normal routines are disrupted.
BVAC Rescue Response Training Center supports community readiness through emergency preparedness, first aid, CPR/AED, and other public-safety education.
Weather cannot be controlled. How we prepare for it can.
