Thunderstorm Safety Checklist

Home , Shower (precipitation), Storm, Thunderstorm

Be Red Cross Ready Thunderstorm Safety Checklist

A thunderstorm is considered severe Know the Difference if it produces hail at least 1 inch in diameter or has wind gusts of at least Severe Thunderstorm Watch —Severe thunderstorms are possible in and 58 miles per hour. Every thunderstorm near the watch area. Stay informed and be ready to act if a severe thunderstorm produces lightning, which kills more warning is issued. people each year than tornadoes or Severe Thunderstorm Warning —Severe weather has been reported by hurricanes. Heavy rain from spotters or indicated by radar. Warnings indicate imminent danger to life and thunderstorms can cause flash property. flooding and high winds can damage Every year people are killed or seriously injured by severe thunderstorms homes and blow down trees and utility despite advance warning. While some did not hear the warning, others heard poles, causing widespread power the warning and did not pay attention to it. The following information, combined outages. with timely watches and warnings about severe weather, may help save lives .

How can I prepare What should I do during a What do I do after a ahead of time? thunderstorm? thunderstorm?

Ë Ë Ë Learn about your local community’s Listen to local news or NOAA Weather Never drive through a flooded roadway. emergency warning system for severe Radio for emergency updates. Watch for Turn around, don’t drown! thunderstorms. signs of a storm, like darkening skies, Ë lightning flashes or increasing wind. Stay away from storm-damaged areas to Ë Discuss thunderstorm safety with all keep from putting yourself at risk from the Ë members of your household. Postpone outdoor activities if effects of severe thunderstorms. Ë thunderstorms are likely to occur. Many Ë Pick a safe place in your home for people struck by lightning are not in the Continue to listen to a NOAA Weather household members to gather during a area where rain is occurring. Radio or to local radio and television thunderstorm. This should be away from stations for updated information or Ë windows, skylights and glass doors that If a severe thunderstorm warning is instructions, as access to roads or some could be broken by strong winds or hail. issued, take shelter in a substantial parts of the community may be blocked. Ë building or in a vehicle with the windows Ë Make a list of items to bring inside in the closed. Get out of mobile homes that can Help people who may require special event of a severe thunderstorm. blow over in high winds. assistance, such as infants, children and the elderly or disabled. Ë Make trees and shrubbery more wind Ë If you can hear thunder, you are close Ë resistant by keeping them trimmed and enough to be in danger from lightning. If Stay away from downed power lines and removing damaged branches. thunder roars, go indoors! The National report them immediately. Ë Ë Protect your animals by ensuring that any Weather Service recommends staying Watch your animals closely. Keep them outside buildings that house them are inside for at least 30 minutes after the last under your direct control. protected in the same way as your home. thunder clap. Ë If Lightning Strikes … Ë Consult your local fire department if you Avoid electrical equipment and telephones. are considering installing lightning rods. Use battery-powered TVs and radios instead. Follow these steps if someone has been struck Ë by lightning: Ë Get trained in first aid and learn how to Shutter windows and close outside doors Ë respond to emergencies. securely. Keep away from windows. Call for help. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number. Anyone who has Ë Ë Do not take a bath, shower or use plumbing. Put togethe r an emergency preparedness ki t: sustained a lightning strike requires •Water—one gallon per person, per day Ë If you are driving, try to safely exit the professional medical care. • Food—non-perishable, easy-to-prepare roadway and park. Stay in the vehicle and Ë Check the person for burns and • Flashlight • Battery-powered or hand- turn on the emergency flashers until the other injuries. If the person has crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if heavy rain ends. Avoid touching metal or stopped breathing, call 9-1-1 and begin possible) • Extra batteries • First aid kit other surfaces that conduct electricity in CPR. If the person is breathing normally, • Medications (7-day supply) and medical and outside the vehicle. items • Multi-purpose tool • Sanitation look for other possible injuries and care Ë & personal hygiene items • Copies of If you are outside and cannot reach a safe for them as necessary. People who have personal documents • Cell phone with building, avoid high ground; water; tall, been struck by lightning do not retain an chargers • Family & emergency contact isolated trees; and metal objects such as electrical charge and can be handled information • Extra cash fences or bleachers. Picnic shelters, safely. dugouts and sheds are NOT safe.

Let Your Family Know You’re Safe If your community has experienced a disaster, register on the American Red Cross Safe and Well Web site available through RedCross.org to let your family and friends know about your welfare. If you don’t have Internet access, call 1-866-GET-INFO to register yourself and your family.