Myths and legends have become an integral part of our everyday lives and culture. While it may be fun to indulge in these fabled pastimes, there’s no room for the blurry banter of myths when it comes to inclement weather.
We’ve rounded up some of the most common weather myths and the truths behind them to help ensure you (and your home) stay safe in the event of a severe storm.
Myth: The roof is the most vulnerable part of the home during a hurricane.
Fact: According to the Florida Division of Emergency Management, garage doors are the most vulnerable areas of the home during hurricanes. Do not ignore the roof. FDEM says the roof “is by far the greatest risk that your home faces when a hurricane strikes.”
Myth: A home will always keep you safe from lightning.
Fact: While a house is certainly the safest place you can be during a storm, it doesn’t guarantee protection. Avoid any electrical conducting path leading outside, such as telephone cords, electrical appliances, wires, TV cables, etc., to improve your safety.
Myth: Surge suppressors can protect a home against lightning.
Fact: Although surge suppressors are an important component of protecting electrical appliances from lightning and electricity surges due to bad weather, they can do little to protect a home from a direct lightning strike.
Myth: You only need to protect windows facing the water in the event of a hurricane.
Fact: Since winds shift as a storm passes and tornadoes can spawn in heavier rain bands, all windows of a home require proper protection. Secure windows with plywood or hurricane shutters to ensure your windows are protected.
Myth: Lightning doesn’t strike the same place twice.
Fact: It does; often repeatedly, especially if it is a tall, pointy, isolated object.