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Thunderstorms
   
BEFORE
THUNDERSTORMS
Know the
terms used to describe severe thunderstorm threats:
Severe Thunderstorm Watch --
Severe thunderstorms are possible. Watch the
sky and listen to the radio or television for more information.
Be prepared to take shelter.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning --
Severe thunderstorms are occurring. Take
shelter. Turn on a battery-operated radio or television to
receive warnings and
severe weather statements.
Purchase a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather
Radio with a
battery backup and tone-alert feature, which automatically
alerts you when a Watch or
Warning is issued. Know the county(s) in which you live and
work. The National Weather
Service uses county names when watches, warnings and advisories
are issued and broadcast.
New Specific Area Message Encoder (SAME) Weather Radios can be
programmed to alarm
only for a specific county or group of adjacent counties.
Check the weather forecast before leaving for extended outdoor
periods and postpone plansif severe weather is imminent.
Keep a list of emergency phone numbers. Teach children how and
when to call 911 for
emergency assistance.
Choose a friend or family member who lives out of the area for separated
family members
to call to report their whereabouts and condition.
Keep important documents and records in a safe deposit box or
other secure location.
Maintain a disaster supply kit.
DURING THUNDERSTORMS
Close all windows and doors. Draw the shades or blinds to reduce the risk
from flying
glass if window or door glass breaks due to high winds.
Monitor the radio or television for the latest weather
information.
Avoid using the telephone or other electrical appliances until the storm
passes.
Turn off air conditioners. If lightning strikes, a power surge could
damage the compressor.
Delay taking baths or showers until after the storm passes.
If outdoors, seek shelter immediately. If you can hear thunder, you are
probably close
enough to the storm to be struck by lightning.
If you are in a boat when a thunderstorm threatens, you should attempt to
reach shore
as quickly as possible.
If you are driving, pull safely to the shoulder away from trees
and power lines. Lightning
can flash from trees or power poles into a vehicle through the
radio antenna. Normally,
in the open, a vehicle is a safe shelter from lightning. Avoid
touching metal parts of the
vehicle when lightning is nearby.
If you find yourself in a position where there is no immediate
shelter available, find a
low spot away from trees and power poles where you can squat low
to the ground. Make
yourself the smallest target possible.
AFTER THUNDERSTORMS
Monitor the radio or television for emergency information or
instructions.
Check for injured victims. Render first aid if necessary. Most
lightning strike victims can
be revived with CPR. Do not attempt to move severely injured
victims unless absolutely
necessary. Wait for emergency medical assistance to arrive.
Take photos of or videotape the damage to your home or property.
Do not make unnecessary telephone calls.
If driving, be alert for hazards on the roadway.
Check on neighbors or relatives who may require special
assistance. |
