Rain, rain go away — residents of West Palm Beach want you to come again another day. This tropical storm from the Gulf has clouded West Palm Beach the past few days and is expected to continue through Memorial Day Weekend. As a result of this unfortunate damp weather, the highly anticipated Royal Palm Beach Seafood Festival has even been rescheduled for the beginning of June.

What residents and homeowners can expect over the next week or so is potential flooding, heavy rains, gusty winds and lightning. To readily prepare yourself for this wet weather, keep an emergency kit close by stocked with an extra flashlight, batteries, water, first aid, and food. Also, make sure your home is securely water-proofed and move or secure outdoor furniture, keep gutters clear, and check the sealant around doors and windows.

Florida Lightning Safety Tips

Most Floridians know their state is the lightning capital of the country, but did you know your chances of being struck by lightning are 1 in 600,000 and can be reduced with proper lightning safety? Lightning is dangerous because of its unpredictability and ability to strike up to 10 miles away from rainfall. Florida has the largest number of lightning-related deaths in the country and these occurrences largely occur in the summer when people are outside in the afternoons and evenings. To prevent being struck, follow these safety tips:

• As soon as you see lightning or hear thunder, move indoors and keep away from plumbing fixtures, electrical devices, and windows. Once inside, close window coverings.
• If you’re caught outside when lightning strikes, attempt to find shelter or stay inside of a hard-topped vehicle.

To know when it’s safe to go back outside, remember the 30-30 rule. After seeing lightning, count how many seconds pass before hearing thunder — if the time is less than 30 seconds, then lightning is still considered a potential threat. Once you’ve heard the last boom of thunder, wait at least 30 minutes before going back outside. Remember: lightning can strike up to 10 miles away from the perceived storm.

Keeping Safe During Flooding

With such heavy and persistent rains, there’s a chance of flooding throughout West Palm Beach and unfortunately, many underestimate the potential dangers of flash flooding. If there’s flooding in your area, remember:

• Move immediately to high ground by foot.
• Driving or walking through flood waters is extremely dangers. One foot of moving water can sweep vehicles away and only six inches of water can knock over people.
• Develop a safe evacuation route and note any streams or canals in the path of your evacuation. If those areas flood, then you could be cut off when attempting to leave.

After a flood, you can return home when officials have declared it safe. Be careful when navigating flooded areas for hidden hazards or eroded roads and walkways and don’t attempt to drive through flooded roads.

For Quick, Reliable Water Damage Restoration, Call 911 Restoration of West Palm Beach

If your home has been flooded after these heavy rains, contact the professionals at 911 Restoration of West Palm beach for speedy and hassle-free water damage restoration services. We’re available for emergency services 24/7/365 and will respond to your call within 45 minutes with a fully loaded team. Schedule water damage remediation services today by calling 561-203-1775.