THUNDERSTORM / LIGHTNING SAFETY
All thunderstorms produce lightning and are dangerous. If you hear the sound of thunder, then you are in danger from lightning. Lightning kills between 75 to 100 people each year and being outdoors in the most dangerous place to be. Always listen to the radio and television for the latest information and instructions for your area.
A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH means a severe storm is possible for your area.
A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING means a severe storm is taking place in your area.
IF YOU’RE OUTDOORS:
- Keep an eye at the sky. Look for darkening skies, flashes of lightning, or increasing winds. Lightning often proceeds rain, so don’t wait for the rain to begin. If you hear the sound of thunder, go to a safe place immediately.
- The best place to go is a sturdy building or a car, but make sure the windows in the car are shut. Avoid sheds, picnic areas, baseball dugouts and bleachers.
- If there is no shelter around you, stay away from trees. Crouch down in the open area, keeping twice as far away from a tree as far as it is tall. Put your feet together and place your hands over your ears to minimize hearing damage from thunder.
- If you’re with a group of people stay about 15 feet from each other.
- Stay out of water. It’s a great conductor of electricity. Swimming, wading, snorkeling and scuba diving are not safe. Also, don’t stand in puddles.
- Avoid metal. Stay away from clotheslines, fences, and drop your backpacks because they often have metal on them.
- If you’re playing an outdoor activity, wait at least 30 minutes after the last observed lightning strike or thunder.
IF YOU’RE INDOORS:
- Avoid water. It’s a great conductor of electricity, so do not take a shower, wash your hands, wash dishes or do laundry.
- Do not use a corded telephone. Lightning may strike exterior phone lines.
- Do not use electric equipment like computers and appliances during a storm.
- Stay away from windows and doors, and stay off porches.
IF SOMEONE IS STRUCK BY LIGHTNING:
- Call for help. Call 9-1-1 or send for help immediately.
- The injured person does not carry an electrical charge, so it is okay to touch them.
TORNADO SAFETY
In an average year, 1000 tornadoes are reported, resulting in 80 deaths and over 1,500 injuries. Tornadoes have been reported in every state and can happen at any time of the year. Take tornadoes seriously, because with winds blowing at 200 mph or more, they can destroy just about anything in its path. Always listen to the radio and television for the latest information and instructions for your area.
A TORNADO WATCH means tornadoes are possible in your area. Stay tuned to the radio or television news.
A TORNADO WARNING means a tornado is either on the ground or has been detected by Doppler radar. Seek shelter immediately!
BEFORE A TORNADO:
- Have a disaster plan. Make sure everyone knows where to go in case a tornado threatens.
- Make sure you know which county or parish you live in.
- Prepare a disaster supplies kit for your home and car. Include a first aid kit, canned food and a can opener, bottled water, battery-operated radio, flashlight, protective clothing and written instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas, and water.
DURING A TORNADO:
- Go to a basement.
- If you do not have a basement, go to an interior room without windows on the lowest floor such as a bathroom or closet.
- If you can, get under a sturdy piece of furniture, like a table.
- If you live in a mobile home get out. They offer NO protection against tornadoes.
- Get out of automobiles. Do not try to outrun a tornado in your car, leave it immediately.
- If you’re outside, Avoid overpasses go to a ditch or low lying area and lie flat in it.
- Stay away from fallen power lines and stay out of damaged areas.
IF YOU’RE AT SCHOOL / WORK DURING A TORNADO:
- Every school or place of work should have a disaster plan and have frequent drills.
- Basements offer the best protection.
- Places without basements should use interior rooms and hallways on the lowest floor away from windows some stores have special Tornado shelter areas.
- Crouch down on your knees and protect your head with your arms.
AFTER A TORNADO:
- Stay indoors until it is safe to come out.
- Check for injured or trapped people, without putting yourself or others in danger.
- Stay away form downed power lines as they could still be carrying electricity.
- Use a flashlight to inspect your home.
WINTER STORM SAFETY
A major winter storm can last for several days and be accompanied with high winds, freezing rain, sleet, heavy snowfall and cold temperatures. Winter storms can make driving and walking extremely hazardous. Always listen to the radio and television for the latest information and instructions for your area.
BEFORE A WINTER STORM:
- Have a disaster plan.
- Prepare a disaster supplies kit for your home and car. Include a first aid kit, canned food and a can opener, bottled water, battery-operated radio, flashlight, protective clothing, and blankets.
- Be aware of changing weather.
DURING A WINTER STORM:
- Stay indoors and dress warmly.
- Eat regularly. Food provides the body with energy for producing its own heat.
- Drink water. Also, drink warm broth and juices.
- If you must go outside, wear layered clothing, mittens and a hat.
- Watch for signs of hypothermia and frostbite.
- Keep dry. Change wet clothing to prevent the loss of body heat.
- If you must drive, carry a cell phone.
- Keep the gas tank full.
- Let someone know where you’re going, just in case your car gets stuck.
- If you’re car gets stuck, stay with it and wait for help unless help is visible within 100 yards. Use maps and car mats to stay warm.
AFTER A WINTER STORM:
- Avoid driving until conditions have improved.
- Avoid overexertion. Heart attacks from shoveling snow are the leading cause of deaths during the winter.
- Check on neighbors to make sure their okay.
____________________________________________________________________
FLOOD SAFETY
Flash floods are the #1 weather-related killer in the U.S. Nearly half of flash flood deaths are auto related. Know beforehand if your area is a flood risk. Always listen to the radio and television for the latest information and instructions for your area.
A FLASH FLOOD WATCH means a flood is possible for your area.
A FLASH FLOOD WARNING means flooding is taking place in your area or will soon.
BEFORE A FLOOD:
- Have a disaster plan.
- Prepare a disaster supplies kit for your home and car. Include a first aid kit, canned food, can opener, bottled water, battery-operated radio, flashlight, protective clothing and written instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas, and water.
DURING A FLOOD:
- Move to a safe area quickly.
- Move to higher ground, like the highest floor of your home.
- Avoid areas subject to sudden flooding like low spots and canyons.
- Avoid already flooded areas. If a flowing stream of water is above your ankles stop, turn around and go the other way.
- Do not attempt to drive through a flooded road. The depth of the water is not obvious and the road may be washed away.
- If your car stalls, leave it and seek higher ground. Rapidly rising water may engulf the car, pick it up and sweep it away.
- Kids should never play around high water, storm drains or viaducts.
- Be cautious at night, because it’s harder to see flood dangers.
- If told to evacuate, do so immediately.
AFTER THE FLOOD:
- You may need to boil drinking water.
- Electrical equipment should be checked and dried before used a good way to help dry items is putting it in a bag of rice.
