| Wednesday June 26th, 2013, a powerful storm cell impacted the Northeast portion of Catawba County affecting the St. Stephens and surrounding communities. This storm produced small hail, torrential rainfall, heavy lightening, and wind gust up to 40mph. The storm lasted approx. 30 minutes and left some damage in its path. St. Stephens Fire Department responded to seven storm related incidents within a two hour period. The nature of the calls included arching power lines, power lines down, trees across roadways and power lines, and trees on houses. The worst of the damages and the majority of the calls for service were in the Conover portion of the St. Stephens Fire District. One structure and two vehicles suffered extreme damage when a large tree uprooted and fell across the entire roof of the home. The structure was occupied at the time of the incident; however, no injuries were reported. On the same street a large tree uprooted and caused light damage to the structure and blocked the vehicles in the driveway.
Please remember during times like these when nature strikes, the 911 center is extremely busy with a higher volume of calls emergency and non-emergency. Please be patient with emergency services when a non-emergency call is reported. St. Stephens Fire Department along with all emergency services have to prioritize the calls received due to the high number of calls coming in and the safety of our personnel. We assure you however, as long as the incident is reported to the fire department, a representative from the fire department will be there to evaluate the situation. No call for service will be unanswered.
Just a reminder of a few storm safety tips;
During high winds stay inside and stay away from windows and open areas.
If driving, avoid traveling roads that are flooded with water and driving over bridges crossing flooding rivers and streams.
Always assume any type of downed power-lines is energized and stay away from them.
If stuck outside during a severe storm, stay away from tall objects, metal objects, and attempt to stay in low lying areas.
If thunder roars go indoors! Lightening can strike even though it may not be raining. Stay inside a solid structure at least 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder.
Avoid using corded phones except for an emergency and keep away from electrical equipment, wiring, avoid baths and showers or other plumbing system during storms. |
