Stay safe during severe summer weather

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Some towns saw a few thunderstorms Monday and with the potential for more severe weather this week, it’s important to know how you can stay safe and alert.

According to the National Weather Service, lightning strikes the United States about 25 million times a year!

Lightning can strike up to ten miles away from a thunderstorm, so even if there’s no rain, you could be at risk. High winds from storms can also cause significant damage to homes and lead to widespread power outages.

Springfield Fire Captain Drew Piemonte told 22News, “If you find yourself outside and a thunderstorm comes in unexpectedly, then you should definitely try and seek refuge somewhere, either in the house or in a vehicle or somewhere that it was safe to be, so your out of the elements.”

If a tornado warning is issued for your area, you should shelter in the basement or a small, interior, windowless room on the lowest level. Avoid fallen power lines, poles, and wires after thunderstorms. You should report them right away to the utility company.

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