Preparing
for Thunderstorms and Lightning
Some thunderstorms
can be seen approaching, while others hit without warning.
It is important to learn and recognize the danger signs and
to plan ahead.
BEFORE
Learn the thunderstorm
danger signs.
- Dark, towering,
or threatening clouds.
- Distant
lightning and thunder.
Have disaster
supplies on hand
- Flashlight
with extra batteries
- Portable,
battery-operated radio and extra batteries
- First aid
kit and manual
- Emergency
food and water
- Nonelectric
can opener
- Essential
medicines
- Cash and
credit cards
- Sturdy shoes
Check for hazards
in the yard.
Dead or rotting trees and branches can fall during a severe
thunderstorm and cause injury and damage.
Make sure that
all family members know how to respond after a thunderstorm.
Teach family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity
and water.
Teach children
how and when to call 9-1-1, police, fire department, and which
radio station to tune for emergency information.
Severe Thunderstorm
Watches and Warnings
A severe thunderstorm watch is issued by the National
Weather Service when the weather conditions are such that
a severe thunderstorm (damaging winds 58 miles per hour
or more, or hail three-fourths of an inch in diameter or
greater) is likely to develop. This is the time to locate
a safe place in the home and tell family members to watch
the sky and listen to the radio or television for more
information.
A severe
thunderstorm warning is issued when a severe thunderstorm
has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. At this point,
the danger is very serious and everyone should go to a safe
place, turn on a battery-operated radio or television, and
wait for the "all clear" by the authorities.
Learn how to
respond to a tornado and flash flood.
Tornadoes are spawned by thunderstorms and flash flooding
can occur with thunderstorms. When a "severe thunderstorm
warning" is issued, review what actions to take under a "tornado
warning" or a "flash flood warning."
Develop an
emergency communication plan.
In case family members are separated from one another during
a thunderstorm (a real possibility during the day when
adults are at work and children are at school), have a
plan for getting back together.
Ask an out-of-state
relative or friend to serve as the "family contact". After
a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Make sure
everyone knows the name, address, and phone number of the contact
person.
Contact you
local emergency management office or American Red Cross chapter
for more information on thunderstorms and lightning.
DURING
If indoors:
- Secure outdoor
objects such as lawn furniture that could blow away or cause
damage or injury. Take light objects inside.
- Shutter
windows securely and brace outside doors.
- Listen to
a battery operated radio or television for the latest storm
information.
- Do not handle
any electrical equipment or telephones because lightning
could follow the wire. Television sets are particularly dangerous
at this time.
- Avoid bathtubs,
water faucets, and sinks because metal pipes can transmit
electricity.
If outdoors:
- Attempt
to get into a building or car.
- If no structure
is available, get to an open space an squat low to the ground
as quickly as possible. (If in the woods, find an area protected
by low clump of trees--never stand underneath a single large
tree in the open.) Be aware of the potential for flooding
in low-lying areas.
- crouch with
hands on knees.
- Avoid tall
structures such as towers, tall trees, fences, telephone
lines, or power lines.
- Stay away
from natural lightning rods such as golf clubs, tractors,
fishing rods, bicycles, or camping equipment.
- Stay from
rivers, lakes, or other bodies of water.
- If you are
isolated in a level field or prairie and you feel your hair
stand on end (which indicates that lightning is about to
strike), bend forward, putting your hands on your knees.
A position with feet together and crouching while removing
all metal objects is recommended. Do not lie flat on the
ground.
If in a car:
- Pull safely
onto the shoulder of the road away from any trees that could
fall on the vehicle.
- Stay in
the car and turn on the emergency flashers until the heavy
rains subside.
- Avoid flooded
roadways.
Estimating
the Distance from a Thunderstorm
Because light travels much faster than sound, lightning
flashes can be seen long before the resulting thunder is
heard. Estimate the number of miles you are from a thunderstorm
by counting the number of seconds between a flash of lightning
and the next clap of thunder. Divide this number by five.
Important:
You are in danger from lightning if you can hear thunder. Knowing
how far away a storm is does not mean that you're in danger
only when the storm is overhead.
Hail
Hail is produced by many strong thunderstorms. Hail can be smaller
than a pea or as large as a softball and can be very destructive
to plants and crops. In a hailstorm, take cover immediately.
Pets and livestock are particularly vulnerable to hail, so
bring animals into a shelter.
AFTER
Check for injuries.
A person who has been struck by lightning does not carry
an electrical charge that can shock other people. If
the victim is burned, provide first aid and call emergency
medical assistance immediately. Look for burns where
lightning entered and exited the body. If the strike
cause the victim's heart and breathing to stop, give
cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) until medical professionals
arrive and take over.
Remember to
help your neighbors who may require special assistance--infants,
elderly people, and people with disabilities.
Report downed
utility wires.
Drive only
if necessary. Debris and washed-out roads may make driving
dangerous.
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