Thunderstorms and lightning are common in Florida

Florida summers include severe thunderstorms, lightning, tornadoes. and hail. Thunderstorms build along with the heat during the day and unleash their power in the afternoon. Lightning strikes often begin well before the storm arrives. When you see storms building and the sky turns dark, it is best to take cover inside. Learning the storm terms will help you better understand the situation when inclement weather approaches.

Thunderstorms with lightning is the most dangerous and frequently encountered weather hazard people experience in Florida and the central part of Florida, where we are located is the highest lightning strike region of the nation. In the U.S. lightning kills 75-100 people each year. Add to that the fact that flash floods are the number ONE weather killer - 146 deaths annually and it makes it all the more important that you learn how to prepare and look out for storms.

When thunderstorms approach...
If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning. Seek shelter immediately! Move to a sturdy building. Do not take shelter in small sheds, under isolated trees, or in automobiles with a soft top. If lightning is occurring and a sturdy shelter is not available, get inside a hard top automobile and keep windows up. Get out of boats and away from water.

Get to higher ground if flash flooding or flooding is possible. Once flooding begins, abandon cars and climb to higher ground. Do not attempt to drive to safety. Most flash flood deaths occur in automobiles.

If caught outdoors and no shelter is nearby...
Find a low spot away from trees, fences, and poles. Make sure the place you choose is not subject to flooding. If you are in the woods, take shelter under the shorter trees. If you feel your skin tingle or your hair stand on end, squat low to the ground on the balls of your feet. Place your hands on your knees with your head between them. Make yourself the smallest target possible, and minimize your contact with the ground.

Other resources for information are...
the National Weather Service office, your local county's emergency management office, or American Red Cross chapter. And, of course you may contact SECO and we will do all we can to help get you an answer. Protecting your home and especially electronic equipment is the smart thing to do. SECO offers an excellent and reliable surge protection program worth taking a closer look.

To report an outage by phone, call 1-800-SECO-141 (1-800-732-6141) or your local SECO office and follow the prompts. To report an outage online go to SECO's Storm Center/report.

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Page last updated: Tuesday, June 26, 2012