Appendix C

HOW TO REMAIN SAFE DURING THUNDERSTORMS AND LIGHTNING

*The following guidance was provided by www.ready.gov, an outstanding website for emergency preparedness information.

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

• 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

• 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.

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