STORMY WEATHER MAY FLOOD HOMES & BUSINESSES in WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NY 10583 THROUGH 10p TONIGHT!
Just passing on the chance for dangerous winds and hail in our Tri-state area, Westchester County and north to Boston. Even though we're rainmakers, please be careful. We are "saddling up" at the office this afternoon, in case of heavy rains that sometimes flood basements from Scarsdale to Yonkers, NY. Since we're on 24 hour call and the storms should be done by 10pm, we are likely to get a midnight call...if a home or business owner looks in their property's basement.
The alert states: Severe Thunderstorm Watch for our area remains valid until 10 pm this evening for four nearby counties in southeast New York - Orange, Putnam, Rockland and Westchester counties.
So, how do we prepare or get ready for extreme weather in late summer and early fall...it IS the new normal, even our record heat yesterday. Here are some steps to take for safety and preparedness, especially because September is National Preparedness month, sponsored by the Red Cross and Homeland Security's FEMA at ready.gov.
Recommended actions from our new, National Partners at the American Red Cross
Before:
- To begin preparing, you should remember the do's and don'ts if there is a water damage in your home or business.
- Remember the 30/30 Lightning Safety Rule: Go indoors if, after seeing lightning, you cannot count to 30 before hearing thunder. Stay indoors for 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder.
- Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage.
- Get inside a home, building, or hard top automobile (not a convertible). Although you may be injured if lightning strikes your car, you are much safer inside a vehicle than outside.
- Shutter windows and secure outside doors. If shutters are not available, close window blinds, shades or curtains.
These are just some of the warnings about lightening...in short, stay in your car or in a structure until the storm and lightening pass, usually in a short time during summer thunderstorms. As the storm passes, remember to...
- Avoid contact with corded phones and devices including those plugged into electric for recharging. Cordless and wireless phones not connected to wall outlets are OK to use.
- Avoid contact with electrical equipment or cords. Unplug appliances and other electrical items such as computers and turn off air conditioners. Power surges from lightning can cause serious damage.
- Avoid contact with plumbing. Do not wash your hands, do not take a shower, do not wash dishes, and do not do laundry. Plumbing and bathroom fixtures can conduct electricity.
- Stay away from windows and doors, and stay off porches.
- If you are driving, try to safely exit the roadway and park. Stay in the vehicle and turn on the emergency flashers until the heavy rain ends. Avoid touching metal or other surfaces that conduct electricity in and outside the vehicle.
Be safe out there, Rainmakers! Cool, calmer days to follow as we fall into Autumn 2013 ~
HOMES & BUSINESSES COULD BE DAMAGED BY WIND HAIL OR RAIN in WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NY 10P TONIGHT!
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