Summer is the most popular time of the year to move. The kids are out of school and it’s a good time to find a new home, perhaps in a new neighborhood or even a new state. Summer is also a very popular time for thunderstorms. In Atlanta, especially, summer storms are expected as a natural part of the season. It’s important to know how to stay safe while moving during summer thunderstorms, to protect yourself, your family, your home, and your possessions.
Summer in Atlanta
It does get hot in Atlanta! July and August are the hottest and most humid months. Summer thunderstorms are common and can add to the feeling of mugginess. Storms also bring up to five inches of rain to the Atlanta area each month. When you are moving within the city, or to Atlanta from another location, be prepared for the heat and humidity as well as the thunderstorms.
When Storms Are in the Forecast
Watch the weather forecast as your move date nears. Most summer thunderstorms strike in the afternoon, so you should be able to get quite a lot accomplished before they move in. When you see a storm in the forecast, be prepared. Wear appropriate, non-slip shoes. Have a poncho or rain jacket handy. Do not use an umbrella in a thunderstorm, as that will actually increase your odds of being struck.
Generally, the odds are low but continue to stay safe. The odds of getting struck by lightning in the US in any single year are 1 in 700,000. The odds of being struck in your lifetime are 1 in 5,000. If your hair stands on end during a storm, that’s a bad sign. It means positive charge is building up around you and your chances of being struck are extremely high.
Safety Precautions Outdoors
If the storms are forecast to last for more than an hour or two, you might consider rescheduling your move date if possible. The CDC offers these tips for staying safe when you find yourself outdoors when a storm is on its way:
- When thunder roars, go indoors. Find a safe, enclosed shelter.
- Don’t forget the 30-30 rule. After you see lightning, start counting to 30. If you hear thunder before you reach 30, go indoors. Suspend activities for at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder.
- If no shelter is available, crouch low, with as little of your body touching the ground as possible. Lightning causes electric currents along the top of the ground that can be deadly over 100 feet away.
- Stay away from concrete floors or walls. Lightning can travel through any metal wires or bars in concrete walls or flooring.
Safety Precautions Indoors
When you are moving during summer thunderstorms, you are safer indoors but even there you need to take certain precautions. The CDC recommends that you:
- Avoid water during a thunderstorm. Lightning can travel through plumbing.
- Avoid electronic equipment of all types. Lightning can travel through electrical systems and radio and television reception systems.
- Avoid corded phones. However, cordless or cellular phones are safe to use during a storm.
- Avoid concrete floors and walls.
Protect Your Belongings
When you are in the process of moving your items and expect that a storm might come up, you will need to protect your items from the rain. Cardboard boxes, wooden furniture, electronics, and appliances are especially vulnerable to the effects of the rain. Boxes get soggy and fall apart. Furniture can warp. Water and electronics never mix well.
Use moving blankets, towels, or protective plastic to wrap around furniture, electronics, and even your moving boxes. When you use a professional mover, they will have those items with them and will take every precaution against getting your belongings wet.
Protect Your Home
After the rainstorm, water from the outside tends to come inside as people walk in and out. To protect your current home as well as your new home, lay down pieces of flat cardboard, a large sheet of plastic, or some old blankets or towels. Your professional movers will be prepared to safeguard your carpet and floors with protective materials as well.
Stay Safe and Enjoy Your Move
Summer is a great time for a move to a new home. Even though summer thunderstorms may pop up, you can anticipate them and prepare for them. The important thing is for you and your family to stay safe throughout the move. Getting the help of professional movers can be key to an efficient, safe, and happy move for you.
Contact Fox Moving and Storage Atlanta for Help with Your Move This Summer!
At Fox Moving & Storage Atlanta, we are ready to help you stay safe, protect your belongings, and enjoy a stress-free move during the summer months and throughout the year. We even offer you a free quote so you will know how our professional services will fit right in your moving budget. Simply give us a call today at 678-250-8208 to find out how we can help you.