Thunderstorm Safety Tips
THUNDERSTORMS
DID YOU KNOW: On an average, the United States gets 100,000 thunderstorms yearly? About 10% of the thunderstorms that occur annually in the United States are classified as severe. Even those that are not can still be dangerous. Lighting in particular is a threat, though it may seem that a thunderstorm is miles away.
How close is the storm? To determine how close a thunderstorm is to you, count the seconds between the lighting flash and the next rumble of thunder. Divide that number by five. The answer is the number of miles away the storm is.
TERMS TO KNOW:
Severe Thunderstorm: Is defined as a storm that produces wind gust of 58 mph or greater, and/or hail ¾ of an inch or larger in diameter.
Severe Thunderstorm Watch: Severe thunderstorms are likely to occur.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Severe thunderstorms have been spotted, and people in the path of the storm are in danger.
Before a Thunderstorm Strikes:
Cut down dead trees and clear branches from around your home.
Secure loose outdoor objects such as patio furniture.
Shutter the windows and secure the doors
During a Thunderstorm:
Get or stay inside if, after seeing lighting, or you cannot count to 30 before hearing thunder.
Do not Shower or Bathe
Do not use a corded telephone, except in an emergency. Cell phones and cordless phones are OK to use during a storm.
Unplug electronic items and turn off air conditioners.
LIGHTING THE UNDERRATED KILLER
Lighting Kills play it Safe, Each year in the United States; more than 400 people are struck by lighting. On an average, about 70 people are killed and many others suffer permanent neurological disabilities. Most of these tragedies can be avoided if proper precautions are taken.
If outside take the following precautions:
If in a forest, take shelter under a thick growth of small trees
Never stand under a tall tree, isolated tree, on a hilltop, open field, on the bench or near water.
If in an open area move to a low spot such as a ravine or valley, be aware of flash flooding.
Stay away from metal equipment and apparatus such as fences, tractors, pipes and bicycles.
If swimming or boating, get out of the water immediately and take shelter
The basic facts about lighting and its danger.
All thunderstorms produce lighting and are dangerous. In an average year, lighting kills more people in the U.S. than either tornadoes or hurricanes.
Lighting often strikes outside the area of heavy rain and may strike as 10 miles from any rainfall. Many deaths from lighting occur ahead of storms because of people wait too long before seeking shelter or after storms because people return outside too soon.
Lighting leaves many victims with permanent disabilities, while only a small percentage of lighting strike victims die, many survivors must learn to live with very serious, lifelong disabilities.
If you’re about to be struck, Squat down on the balls of your feet- do not lie flat on the ground.
Place your hands over your ears and tuck your head between your knees.
Feeling your hair stand on end means lighting is about to strike nearby. Make yourself into a small target.
Avoid the Lighting Threat:
Plan ahead have a lighting safety plan. Know where people will go for safety and how much time it will take for them to get there.
Postpone activities If thunderstorms are forecast, consider postponing activities early to avoid being caught in a dangerous situation.
Monitor the weather, watch and listen for clues of impending danger. Look for darkening skies, flashes of lighting, or increasing wind. Listen for the thunder.
Get to a safe place, instruct everyone to take shelter in a sturdy building and remain inside for 30 minutes.
Know what to do if someone is struck. Lighting victims do not carry an electrical charge, they are safe to handle, and need immediate attention. Cardiac Arrest is the immediate cause of death in lighting fatalities. Some deaths can be prevented if the victim receives the proper first aid.
Call for Help 9-1-1
Give First Aid: Check the victims pulse and breathing. Begin CPR if necessary. An Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) may also be useful if one is available.
If possible move victim to a safer place. Remember lighting can strike the same place twice.
First Aid and CPR training is available through your local American Red Cross.
Stay informed, you can purchase a NOAA weather alert radio for appx. $20.00 at any store, or go to www.nws.noaa.gov.
For further information please go to www.lightingsafety.noaa.gov