Severe Weather

Summer Weather

Summer brings the potential for severe storms, which may include lightning, high winds, hail, flooding and other hazards. To help keep you and your family safe, it’s good to remember these common-sense guidelines from the National Weather Service. Be SAFE and have a great summer.

Lightning

ThunderLightning kills more than 50 people a year in the US and injures many more. Many could have avoided the danger simply by taking steps to protect themselves in time. These include:

  • Seeking shelter immediately when you hear thunder. (Adequate shelter is a substantial building or enclosed metal vehicle. Tents, picnic shelters, carports, or open vehicles or venues are NOT safe.)
  • Cancelling or postponing outdoor events when weather threatens.
  • Monitoring conditions to know when storms are expected.

For more information, check the NWS website at: http://www.weather.gov/os/lightning/

Flooding

FloodingFloods cause more deaths each year than any other severe weather hazard. Many lose their lives because they underestimate the power of floodwaters. Just six inches of fast-moving water can knock over an adult; two feet of water can carry away most vehicles, including pickups and SUVs. And it’s difficult to know the real depth of floodwaters, even if you’re in familiar territory, as the ground or roadway may have washed out beneath them.

“Turn around. Don’t drown.”

The best advice is to:

  • Avoid flooded areas.
  • Don’t attempt to cross flowing streams.
  • Don’t camp or park along steams or washes, especially in threatening conditions.
  • And never drive through flooded roadways.

For more information, check out: http://tadd.weather.gov/tadd-intro.shtml

Hurricanes

June 1st marks the official start of hurricane season, which runs through November 30. Although we are fortunate to live in an area where hurricanes are rare, they can and do impact New England from time to time.

Your best defense: keep an eye on weather conditions, plan how you’d react in the event of a severe storm, put together a “go kit” with things you’d need if you had to evacuate in a hurry, listen to an Emergency Alert System radio and/or TV station, and don’t wait until the last minute to prepare.

Power Outages

Our primary electrical provider, Eversource, has detailed plans to restore power as quickly as possible in the event of an outage. You can find good information about the restoration process, as well as steps you can take to prepare for an outage or stay safe during one, and options for reporting or checking the status of an outage at: https://www.eversource.com/Content/nh/residential/outages

Ticks & Mosquitos

The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services is encouraging all residents and visitors to take precautions against mosquito and tick bites, to guard against diseases such as West Nile Virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis and Lyme Disease. Wearing appropriate clothing and using insect repellant can reduce the risk substantially. For more detailed information, see their press release at: http://www.dhhs.nh.gov/dphs/cdcs/lyme/index.htm