Things to Never Do During a Thunderstorm—Plus How to Prep Your Home in Advance

You might be familiar with the phrase, "When thunder roars, stay indoors." But there's more to thunderstorm safety—especially for homeowners. Before the next storm, there are a number of things you should know and proactive measures you can take to protect your home and your family from severe weather.

Below, home and weather experts share their top tips for being prepared both indoors and out.

How to Protect Yourself and Family During Thunderstorms

According to certified broadcast meteorologist and natural disaster preparedness expert Cheryl Nelson, your greatest tool in thunderstorm safety is advanced warning. Be sure to use a NOAA Weather Radio or a trusted weather app with notifications for severe weather. “If a severe thunderstorm or tornado warning is issued for your locality, your family and pets should immediately go to your basement, storm shelter, or the lowest level of your home,” says Nelson.

“Preferably, you want a room without windows, such as a closet or interior bathroom," she adds. "Basically, put as many walls between you and the outside as possible—and wear a helmet to protect your head.”

What to Avoid During an Active Thunderstorm

There are a number of areas and activities to avoid in the home during an active thunderstorm.

• Washing Up: Lightning can travel through plumbing, Nelson warns, so do not take a shower, wash your hands, or do dishes during a thunderstorm.
• Electronics Use: Lightning can surge through electrical systems. “Unplug devices if time allows before the storm hits,” Nelson suggests, “and use cordless or cellphones instead of landlines during the storm.”
• Contact With Concrete Floors and Walls: Lightning can travel through metal rebar within concrete, according to Nelson. “Avoid lying on floors or leaning against concrete walls, especially in basements or garages,” she says.
• Proximity to Windows and Glass Doors: Windows, glass doors, and skylights can be broken by strong winds or hail during a thunderstorm, so it's best to keep your distance, advises Pokrandt. “Stay in an interior room, hallway, or basement, if possible,” she says. “Closing your curtains or blinds will also help act as a small barrier against flying glass if a window breaks.”
  

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Thunderstorm Supplies and Home Upgrades

Your and your family's safety is worth investing in. And when it comes to storm prep, a few thoughtful upgrades can make all the difference. From surge protectors to weather radios, these expert-recommended tools and modifications can help keep your home (and everything in it) safer when skies turn dark.

Lightning Protection System

Protecting your home begins with a lightning protection system that directs the discharge into the ground and reduces the risk of damage, explains Jason Altshuler, owner of My Electric Home.

“The quality of your grounding system plays a major role,” he adds. “Even the best lightning protection will not be able to work effectively without a reliable circuit that safely diverts the current.” 

Home Surge Protection

While similar to lightning protection, having whole-home surge protection installed can help safeguard appliances, HVAC systems, and sensitive electronics from sudden voltage spikes, says Joel Worthington, president of Mr. Electric.

Nelson adds that a professionally installed whole-home surge protector can also be supplemented by individual surge protectors to protect high-value electronics further.

Standby Generator

Standby generators are another way to keep items like refrigerators, HVAC units, and medical devices running if the power goes out, advises Worthington. 

Impact-Resistant Windows and Garage Doors

In places that are prone to hurricanes or other strong storms, Matt Malone, CEO at Groundworks, suggests permanent storm shutters on windows and/or impact-resistant windows and garage doors to protect against strong winds.

Water Alarm System

Much like a smoke detector, a water alarm alerts you to water accumulation in the home, explains Malone, giving you precious time to act. “The sensors should be placed near sump pumps, washing machines, dishwashers, water heaters, and anywhere susceptible to flooding,” he says. 

A Communication System

Keeping two-way radios in your home can help ensure reliable communication when traditional methods fail, says Caileigh Peterson, radio safety specialist. "[These] offer instant connection between families, neighbors, and first responders, facilitating quicker responses in critical situations," Peterson explains.

"These radios are especially vital during evacuations when chaos and separation can occur, allowing you to stay in contact even when cell phone coverage is poor, networks are overloaded, or outages occur."

How to Prepare Your Home for Thunderstorms

Routine home maintenance before weather strikes can offer a great deal of protection during thunderstorms. “Inspecting the interior and exterior of the home for any signs of foundation damage will highlight any problems that extreme winds and heavy rains can affect over time,” Malone says. “Signs your foundation may have a problem include sloping floors, cracks in the drywall, doors and windows that stick, as well as cracks in the foundation itself.”

Other home maintenance tasks to stay on top of include the following. 

Monitor the Basement for Water

Mold, efflorescence, musty smells, or moisture on the walls and floors are not only health hazards, says Malone. They are also signs your home is more susceptible to damage from torrential rains. “If you have already taken waterproofing precautions that include a sump pump, check to make sure it has a battery backup so it will continue to operate effectively—even if you lose power,” he advises.

Ensure Gutters Are Clear and Functional 

Make sure your gutters and downspouts are working properly, without debris or cracks to trap or dump water in the wrong place. “Water should divert at least five feet away from the home to minimize the likelihood of water seepage into the crawlspace or basement,” Malone advises.

Check Yard Maintenance

Overhanging limbs can snap in high winds and damage your roof, windows, or vehicles, warns Nelson. “Maintain your landscaping to reduce the risk of storm debris becoming dangerous projectiles,” she says. 

Secure Outdoor Furniture and Outlets

Ahead of an imminent storm, close outdoor outlets and disconnect devices. Ensure all weatherproof covers on outdoor electrical outlets are shut, and unplug devices like landscape lighting or sound systems, if possible.

Also, be sure to secure outdoor furniture and décor. High winds can turn patio furniture, umbrellas, grills, and lawn decorations into dangerous flying objects. Secure or store items indoors when storms are forecast and until they've passed.

Inspect Your Electrical System

“Ground fault circuit interrupters should be in kitchens, bathrooms, garages and outdoor areas to help prevent shock in wet or storm-prone areas,” Worthington says. “Regular inspections of the electrical system can help detect any existing conditions that may be impacted by storms.”

Test the Sump Pump

Test the sump pump regularly and before storms to ensure it is working correctly, says Matt Kunz, president of Mr. Rooter, a Neighborly company. “Thunderstorms can bring heavy rain and power loss, and a failed sump pump can lead to basement flooding.”

To prevent costly damage, “ensure the sump pump has battery backup or connect it to generators will help ensure it will work during severe storms,” he advises.

Review Your Coverage 

Ensure you have adequate homeowner’s insurance that covers damage from wind, hail, and other thunderstorm-related perils, says Kristine Pokrandt, agency owner of Goosehead Insurance, and make sure you also understand your policy's deductibles and coverage limits. 

“Working with an independent insurance agent is especially helpful here since they can help you understand your risks, explain your coverage options, and ensure you have the right protection in place for your specific needs and location,” Pokrandt says. “They can also advise on whether additional coverage—like flood insurance—might be necessary based on your property's risk.”