Protect Your Business from Lightning Strikes: 5 Essential Safety Tips

7/19/2024 (Permalink)

lightning safety for your business

Lightning strikes are a powerful and unpredictable natural phenomenon that can cause significant damage to businesses. Protecting your business from lightning strikes involves taking proactive measures to minimize risks and ensure the safety of your property and employees. Here are five essential safety tips:

1. Install a Lightning Protection System

A lightning protection system (LPS) is designed to direct the energy from a lightning strike safely to the ground, preventing it from passing through your building. Key components of an LPS include:

• Air Terminals: Rods installed at the highest points of your building to attract lightning.
• Down Conductors: Cables that carry the electrical current from the air terminals to the ground.
• Grounding System: Metal rods buried in the ground to safely dissipate the electrical current.

2. Surge Protection Devices (SPDs)

Surge protection devices are essential for protecting your electrical and electronic equipment from voltage spikes caused by lightning. Install SPDs at key points in your electrical system, such as:

• Main Service Panels: To protect the entire electrical system.
• Sub-Panels: To provide localized protection.
• Individual Outlets: To safeguard sensitive equipment like computers and communication devices.

3. Regular Maintenance and Inspections

Conduct regular maintenance and inspections of your lightning protection system and electrical infrastructure. This includes:

• Annual Inspections: Check for any wear and tear or damage to the LPS components.
• Routine Electrical Checks: Ensure all surge protectors and grounding systems are functioning correctly.
• Compliance with Standards: Make sure your lightning protection system complies with relevant safety standards and codes.

4. Employee Training and Emergency Preparedness

Educate your employees on lightning safety protocols and emergency procedures. Key points to cover include:

• Shelter Protocols: Instruct employees to seek shelter indoors and avoid using electrical equipment during a storm.
• Emergency Response: Develop and practice an emergency response plan in case of a lightning strike.
• First Aid Training: Provide basic first aid training for handling injuries related to lightning strikes.

5. Structural and Environmental Precautions

Take additional steps to safeguard your building and surrounding environment. Consider:

• Lightning Rods and Conductors: Install these on outdoor structures such as fences, trees, and signage to prevent side flashes.
• Avoid Tall Structures: Avoid placing tall structures or equipment that can attract lightning near your building.
• Tree Maintenance: Trim or remove trees that could fall and cause damage if struck by lightning.

Implementing these essential safety tips can help protect your business from the devastating effects of lightning strikes. For professional assistance, consult with SERVPRO of Southern York County and ensure your business is well-prepared for this unpredictable natural threat.

Flash Floods in Southern York County

9/6/2022 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO we handle all types of weather related claims. From extreme cold snaps to summer storms SERVPRO handles it all!

The tail-end of the summer may certainly seem like it would be a slow time of year for weather but in reality it's the peak of hurricane season. While Maine does not really face hurricanes head on, we get the aftermath of the storms which usually involves heavy rains which can cause flash flooding.

Although we are mostly covered by woodlands, we do still have many urban areas (cities/towns) that are most susceptible to Flash Flooding. The impervious surfaces in the urban areas do not allow water to infiltrate the ground, and the water runs off to the low spots very quickly.

Flash flooding occurs so quickly that people are caught off-guard. Their situation may become dangerous if they encounter high, fast-moving water while traveling. If people are at their homes or businesses, the water may rise quickly lead to basement or home flooding.

Flash flooding happens fast but ends just as quickly. If you find yourself with some damage caused by water please do not hesitate to give a call for a free estimate on repairs and dry-out.

(207) 324-4400

Ready for Extreme Weather!

8/3/2022 (Permalink)

With all the hot and humid days this summer, SERVPRO is prepared to handle any damages due to extreme weather conditions. During the weekend of August 4th, thunderstorm and tornado warnings were issued throughout many areas. The following are some different types of extreme weather to look out for during the summer months.

Microbursts – a small concentrated downburst that produces an outward burst of strong winds at the surface. They are short-lived, only lasting about 5 to 10 minutes. Can be wet or dry, although wet microbursts are more common in our region. Dry microbursts are more often seen in the west and in dryer areas.

Lightning – can occur everywhere in the U.S. with the threat of fires and possible severe damage to your home or surrounding structures. Unless you see signs of fire – stay inside! Your home will protect you.

Hail – pellets that usually range between .2 inches and 1.75 inches in size. Hail damage is not always visible, but some things you can look out for are cracks or dents in shingles, bent roof vents and pipes, and damage to siding. If you suspect hail damage, get an expert opinion!

If you experience any storm related damage or water damage, do not hesitate to call SERVPRO of Southern York County at 207-324-4400.

SERVPRO is Ready When Storms Hit Southern York County

7/13/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO ofSouthern York County specializes in storm and flood damage restoration.  Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit Southern York County, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today (207) 324-4400

We Can Handle Any Storm!

6/8/2022 (Permalink)

Maine sure is beautiful, there are a variety of lakes with great views for residents, as well as our visitors from out of state! Unfortunately, living this close to the water can cause problems if and when a storm comes through. This customer had a basement FULL of water due to the nearby lake flooding during a heavy rain storm. SERVPRO of Southern York County specializes in storm and flood damage restoration. Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition. Our on-call crew responded quickly, removed all of the standing water, and set up equipment to dry the basement right out!

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today! (207) 324-4400

Melting snow and rain.

3/21/2019 (Permalink)

With winter coming to an end the temperature will start to rise again and as we have already seen the water levels rise. The melting of snow  rises the water table and is usually not a big deal, but when mixed with rain this could lead to some flooded areas. Some things to remember:

• Clear basement entries
• Check sump pumps
• Clean excess know off rooftops
• Clean snow away from building 
• Keep items in basement up off floor

By doing just a few checks in and around your home or business will help keep you drying during flooding times. If you or someone you know is having an issue with excess water or flooding please give SERVPRO of Southern York County a call anytime and we'll help get you back to normalcy. 

Extreme Weather

7/24/2017 (Permalink)

With summer upon us, here comes the extreme weather. Flash flooding, lightning strikes, and wind and hail from extreme thundershowers. These can all lead to damage at your home, an unfortunate circumstance to come with the warmer weather.

A few steps to help in case of some weather related issues. 

Flash Flooding

SERVPRO responds to all types of water damages, the most common in the summer is flooding from torrential rains. Now if water were to seep into your basement or garage you would more than likely have to call a SERVPRO to help dry back the area. But what you can do is help prevent your personal property damage. By keeping your items elevated, on shelving or in plastic containers, it could save those items you would have likely lost in an unfortunate event. 

Wind/Hail

If you experience wind or hail damage to your home please call us as soon as possible. Those crucial moments can help save secondary damage by us providing a roof tarping, or a window board up. 

Lightning Damage

If you experience a lightning strike at your home and as a result have some soot damage please do not try to clean yourself. SERVPRO has specific solutions for removing soot from surfaces better than any hardware store product. 

If you have any further questions on weather related damage to your home, either not listed or read about, please call our office anytime, were happy to help you!

207-324-4400

SERVPRO9045@SERVPROSYC.COM