Electrical Storms

Some thunder storms can be seen approaching and some hit without much warning at all. It’s important to learn and recognize the danger signs and to plan ahead. Some danger signs of a thunderstorm are dark towering or threatening clouds and distant lightning and thunder. Have disaster supplies on hand such as flashlights and extra batteries, battery operated radio, first aid kit

, a Survival Kit

(72 hours, 3 days), emergency food and water, non-electric can opener, essential medicines and some cash. Check for hazards in your yard, such as dead or rotting trees and branches that can fall during a severe thunderstorm and cause injury or damage. Teach your family how and when to turn off gas, electricity and water.

Teach children how to call 911 in an emergency and which radio station to tune into for emergency information. A severe thunderstorm watch is issued when conditions of the thunderstorm are likely to develop that have damaging winds (58 mph or more, or hail an inch in diameter or greater). A severe thunderstorm warning is issued when a severe thunderstorm has been sighted or detected by weather radar. When this happens, the danger is serious and you should go to the safest place in your home, listen to the radio or television and wait for an all clear by authorities. In case family members are separated from one another, which is a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school, have a plan for getting back together. If you are indoors during the storm, secure outdoor objects, such as lawn furniture and other light things that could blow away. Close shutters if you have them. Listen to battery operated radio if electricity is out for the latest storm information. Do not handle any electrical equipment or telephones because lightning could follow the wire. TVs are especially dangerous. Avoid bathtubs and water faucets because metal pipes can transmit electricity. If you are outdoors, try to get into a building or a car. If you cannot, get out in the open and squat down, low to the ground. Never stand underneath a single large tree in the open. Crouch with hands on knees. Avoid tall trees, fences and telephone wires. Stay away from bodies of water. If you are isolated on a level area 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 is recommended. Do not lie flat on the ground. If you are in a car, pull to the side of the road and put your flashers on until the rain has subsided. Do not get out of your car. You can estimate the distance of a thunderstorm because light travels much faster than sound. Estimate the number of miles the storm is away from you by counting the number of seconds between a flash of lightning and the next clap of thunder. Divide this number by five and you will have the number of miles. Remember that you are in danger of lightning if you can hear thunder. Hail may be produced by severe thunderstorms and they can be small as a blueberry or as large as a grapefruit. Hail can be very destructive to plants and for farmer’s crops. Take cover immediately and bring animals into shelter. After a storm check for injuries if necessary. A person who has been struck by lightning does not carry an electrical charge. Check for breathing and pulse and perform CPR if needed. If the person is burned give first aid and call for emergency medical assistance immediately. Look for burns and damage from entrance and exit sites. Report downed electrical wires and inspect your home for damages.

• Have disaster supplies including long term food storage, first aid kit and Survival Kit (72 hours, 3 days) on hand.
• Know the difference between storm watches and warnings.
• Do not use electrical equipment during a storm.
• Have a designated meeting spot in case your family is separated.