Lightning Strikes and Smart Moves
Spring and summer in Ames, IA, are nothing short of beautiful. You might spend the day biking around Ada Hayden, grabbing ice cream on Main Street, or strolling through Brookside Park. But once the sky starts turning gray and the rumbles move in, it’s time to switch gears.
Thunderstorms in this midwestern gem are a powerful display of nature’s energy. They bring refreshing rain, cracking lightning, and invigorating winds.
That’s why a little storm prep can go a long way. Knowing how to stay safe in a lightning storm and getting your home ready ahead of time can make all the difference when the forecast takes a dramatic shift.
So, grab your rain boots and let’s run through the storm-smart tips that’ll keep your home and your calm intact.
Storm Risks You Can’t Ignore
If you’ve lived here long enough, you know spring and summer storms are common. Ames averages 40–50 thunderstorm days per year, and most of them hit hard.
This is what you’re up against:
- Lightning strikes can lead to power surges or even home fires.
- Heavy downpours that overwhelm storm drains and bring flash flooding, especially near low-lying areas like Squaw Creek.
- Wind gusts strong enough to rip shingles off roofs in neighborhoods like Northridge or tear down branches along Stange Road.
Some past storms have knocked out power across town and caused thousands in property damage. So, when we say it's smart to prepare? We mean it.
Avoid Turning into a Human Lightning Rod
When the sky cracks and the thunder booms, here’s how to stay safe in a lightning storm, especially with kids, pets, or elderly loved ones at home:
- Stay indoors. This one’s a must. Find shelter in a secure building. Pass on tree houses or porches, please.
- Unplug electronics. Lightning and power surges are not friends with your devices.
- Avoid plumbing. Pause the shower and skip dish duty. Lightning can travel through water pipes.
- Stay away from windows. Flying debris or a close strike can turn glass into a hazard.
- Have an emergency kit ready. Think flashlights, batteries, a weather radio, bottled water, and snacks that won’t spoil.
Remember, thunderstorms can be unpredictable, but a little caution goes a long way in making your family feel safe and at ease.
Keep Your Home Standing Tall
If you live in a tree-heavy area like Bloomington Heights, these mindful tasks will help protect your home’s exterior from storm damage:
- Trim trees and remove dead branches. Falling limbs are a fast way to a busted roof.
- Secure outdoor furniture. Your patio set should never become airborne.
- Inspect and reinforce roofing. A few loose shingles can quickly turn into a leak.
- Clean gutters and downspouts. Let water flow away from your foundation.
- Install surge protectors. They're your first defense against electrical storm havoc.
Taking these simple steps now can save you from costly repairs later.
Stay Safe Inside
Once you’re safely inside, there are a few easy ways to protect your space and keep it all under control:
- Reinforce windows and doors. Storm shutters or impact glass can make a difference.
- Check for leaks. Sneaky spots around ceilings and windows can invite water inside.
- Store important documents safely. Use a waterproof, fireproof container. Trust us on this one.
- Ensure sump pumps are functional. This is super important for those with finished basements.
- Have a backup power supply. A generator can save the day when the lights go out.
There’s no better shelter from the storm than a safe and sturdy home.
Emergency Preparedness: What to Have on Hand
Every household should have a storm kit ready. The rainy season is no time to be caught off guard.
Here’s your checklist:
- Flashlights and extra batteries
- NOAA weather radio (not just your phone!)
- First aid kit
- Portable phone charger
- Bottled water and non-perishable food (3-day supply per person)
Bonus Tip: Don’t forget a stash of your favorite comfort items. Whether it’s a cozy blanket, a good book, or your go-to snacks, these little extras keep spirits up when the weather gets unnerving.
What to Do After a Storm Passes
Storm’s over? Great. But before you relax, do a thorough safety check:
- Inspect your property. Look for roof damage, broken windows, or any signs of water intrusion.
- Watch for electrical hazards. Steer clear of downed lines or flooded outlets.
- Document everything. Snap photos of the damage before cleanup for insurance claims.
- Stay out of floodwater. Even shallow standing water can be risky.
If you spot anything that looks tricky or unsafe, don’t hesitate to call in the pros.
ServiceMaster Brings the Calm After the Storm
When a fierce storm leaves damage behind, it can shake up your whole world. We get how stressful it can be to come home to uncertainty. ServiceMaster by Rice in Ames can help you bounce back fast and make your house feel like home again.
- Storm Damage Fix-Up: From soaking up water to patching things up, we’ll get your home back to feeling right.
- Rapid Emergency Response: Our crew is on call 24/7 because storms don’t care about business hours.
- Mold’s Worst Enemy: Moisture is a mold magnet. We stop it before it spreads.
- Insurance Help Made Easy: We’ll guide you through the claims process, so you don’t have to stress the fine print.
After the storm, lean on us to help you find your footing again.
Make Thunderstorm Prep a Breeze
Thunderstorms in the heart of Iowa can get wild, but with a little prep—and a few expert tips on how to stay safe in a lightning storm—you can keep your home and loved ones safe and sound.
Get ahead of the thunderclaps now, so you're not scrambling when the skies darken. And if your home does suffer storm damage, don’t wait. Give us a call. We’ll help you recover faster and stronger.
Stay alert, savvy, and storm-ready, Ames.
