Thunderstorms and Lightning

lightning-11Thunderstorms & Lightning              

Lightning is a leading cause of injury and death from weather-related hazards. Although most lightning victims survive, people struck by lightning often report a variety of long-term, debilitating symptoms. Thunderstorms are dangerous storms that include lightning and can:

  •    Include powerful winds over 50 MPH;     
  •    Create hail; and     
  •    Cause flash flooding and tornadoes.    

IF YOU ARE UNDER A THUNDERSTORM WARNING, FIND SAFE SHELTER RIGHT AWAY

  •    When thunder roars, go indoors!    
  •    Move from outdoors into a building or car.     
  •    Pay attention to alerts and warnings.     
  •    Unplug appliances.     
  •    Do not use landline phones.     

HOW TO STAY SAFE WHEN A THUNDERSTORM THREATENS

Prepare NOW

  •    Know your area’s risk for thunderstorms. In most places, they can occur year-round and at any hour.     
  •    Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric           Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.     
  •    Identify nearby, sturdy buildings close to where you live, work, study, and play.     
  •    Cut down or trim trees that may be in danger of falling on your home.     
  •    Consider buying surge protectors, lightning rods, or a lightning protection system to protect your home, appliances, and                electronic devices.     

Survive DURING

  • When thunder roars, go indoors. A sturdy building is the safest place to be during a thunderstorm.
  • Pay attention to weather reports and warnings of thunderstorms. Be ready to change plans, if necessary, to be near shelter.
  • When you receive a thunderstorm warning or hear thunder, go inside immediately.
  • If indoors, avoid running water or using landline phones. Electricity can travel through plumbing and phone lines.
  • Protect your property. Unplug appliances and other electric devices. Secure outside furniture.
  • If boating or swimming, get to land and find a sturdy, grounded shelter or vehicle immediately.
  • If necessary, take shelter in a car with a metal top and sides. Do not touch anything metal.
  • Avoid flooded roadways. Turn Around. Don’t Drown! Just six inches of fast-moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.

Be Safe AFTER

  • Listen to authorities and weather forecasts for information on whether it is safe to go outside and instructions regarding potential flash flooding.
  • Watch for fallen power lines and trees. Report them immediately.

HELPFUL LINKS


Thunderstorms Information Sheet 

NOAA Watch

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Lightning

American Red Cross - Thunderstorm Safety

Tornado Information Sheet

Tornado Playbook

Taking Shelter from the Storm

Tornado Protection - Taking Refuge in a Storm