Should you put away your parasol during a thunderstorm?
When we relax under a parasol, we generally do so in pleasant weather. If we need shade, it's because the sun is shining. However, we all know that the weather can change rapidly during the day, and that summer storms are often the most dangerous: overcast but warm weather can sometimes conceal a torrential downpour.
A parasol is not designed to withstand prolonged exposure to rain; it's not a giant version of an umbrella. Therefore, it's important to consider the appropriate course of action during a storm, both for your own safety and to protect the parasol.
Belveo offers you some advice on how to manage this type of situation effectively and calmly.
What are the dangers associated with thunderstorms?
A thunderstorm is a violent weather phenomenon that should not be taken lightly. While the noise and light may impress children watching it from inside a house, the risks of property damage and personal injury are very real when outdoors. And a small, straight parasol is more likely to be blown away than a heavy, cantilevered parasol with a base securely anchored to the ground.
The garden furniture, exposed to strong winds, can break or knock over the parasol, damaging it in turn. Debris from nearby houses, as well as branches torn from trees, can also damage the parasol's fabric or frame.
The danger to people is even more serious. Besides the possibility of being hit by a garden table or chair, or by the parasol pole, anyone standing too close to the parasol risks serious injury if lightning strikes them. This possibility should not be dismissed: the shape of the parasol makes it act as a lightning rod, and the pole, usually made of aluminum, is a conductor of electricity.
How to protect your parasol for greater durability?
A parasol is designed to provide shade to an outdoor space when the sun is shining. In case of inclement weather, it's always advisable to store it away for its own protection. Even high-quality products are vulnerable to the effects of the elements. To prolong its lifespan, the parasol must be free from tears, twists, and other damage. Taking care of it daily and protecting it from storms will help avoid future repair costs.
When an exceptional storm is forecast, it is advisable to store the parasol in a sheltered location. It must, of course, be closed, and the canopy should be tightly wrapped around the pole, possibly secured with straps. It is best to add a cover to prevent moisture from causing mold on the canopy. Then, the parasol should be stored in a garage or a sealed garden shed.
For use in a public place, such as a restaurant terrace or a campsite, a protocol must be in place to put away all parasols in the event of a weather alert related to the arrival of a major storm.
Protecting furniture and people during a storm
Putting away your parasol when the weather turns bad not only protects it but also prevents potential damage. Unless it's permanently fixed to the ground with screws, a parasol can always tip over in extremely strong winds. In such cases, it could hit garden furniture or, even worse, a child or someone nearby.
Certain regions of France are particularly prone to severe weather and dangerous storms. When living in an area frequently exposed to violent weather events, one might choose to opt for a solid anchoring system rather than automatically putting away the parasol when a warning is issued. Fix, The Belveo fixed base is a robust, high-quality model that ensures optimal stability for the parasol. It is an accessory for straight parasols.
Tilting or cantilever parasols offer better wind resistance than straight parasols. Weighted with a base filled with water or sand, like the Ostro slabs offered by Belveo , they can be a good choice for some wind resistance. However, they often need to be weighted down more than straight parasols, especially on windy days. It's wise to be cautious and take extra precautions rather than risk damage or injury later on. Simply weighting a parasol isn't enough if the aluminum pole is bent by a gust of wind, for example.
It is sometimes said that lightning doesn't strike the same place twice. However, it's wise to take every possible precaution to prevent it from striking your parasol the first time.
