October starts our fall severe weather season. This is the first of several posts regarding severe weather preparedness… stay tuned.
Thunderstorm Safety Tips
It is important to know that every thunderstorm has lightning and strong thunderstorms can bring heavy rain, high winds, hail and possibly tornadoes. Every year people are killed or seriously injured by severe thunderstorms despite advance warning. While some did not hear the warning, others heard the warning and did not pay attention to it. If you can see cloud-to-ground lightning or hear thunder, you are in danger of being struck by lightning and no place outside is safe, remember…
When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!
Before a thunderstorm arrives:
- Learn the signs of an approaching thunderstorm: dark clouds, lightning and thunder.
- Get informed from the weather radio or television news station.
- If you know a thunderstorm is coming then stay indoors.
Have emergency survival kit on hand that includes:
- Flashlights
- Battery operated weather radio
- First aid kit
- Food and water
- Essential medicines
During a thunderstorm:
- Stay inside and sheltered, clear of windows, doors and skylights.
- If you are outside when the storm arrives then go inside or into a vehicle.
- If caught outside move away from things that can attract lightning such as trees, fences, utility lines.
- If you are in the water, such as a pool or lake, get out immediately and get inside a sturdy building.
- If no structures to seek shelter in are around, go to a low lying, open area away from trees and poles. Place your hands on your knees with your head between them. And make yourself as small as possible.
After a thunderstorm:
- Wait indoors for at least 30 minutes after the storm has passed.
- Check for any damage or injuries.
- Help neighbors if needed.
- Avoid storm damaged areas.
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