Thunderstorms and lightning storms can cause severe damage to buildings and trees and shrubs. Sometimes they can be seen approaching while others are severe and hit without warning. A lot of times in the distance you can see dark, towering clouds with lightning and thunder.
Stay tuned to your local weather stations and listen for watches and warnings:
Watch - A severe thunderstorm watch is issued by the National Weather Service when conditions are ripe for a severe thunderstorm. This is the time to get flashlights out, get everyone inside, and secure outside patio furniture as winds can reach 50 mph or more and hail may be present in the storm.
Warning - A warning is issued when radar indicates a severe thunderstorm has developed. At this point the storm is real and viable.
Severe Thunderstorm - A severe thunderstorm is indicated when winds in the storm track reach 50 mph or above, heavy downpours and flash flooding occur, tornadoes can be spawned and lightning and thunder are severe. It sometimes includes hail of 3/4 of an inch in diameter or larger.
If you live in an area that has frequent storms, also make sure that you include knowledge of preparedness for tornadoes and flooding since these types of potential disaster move hand in hand.
BEFORE THE STORM
Make sure you secure outdoor furniture that could be damaged or become projectiles. Move lighter objects indoors.
If you have and use storm shutters, close them over the windows.
Get your battery-operated radio or TV out and tune into local news and weather for the latest information on the storms.
Avoid using electrical equipment such as TV's computers, phones, etc.
Avoid bathtubs, sinks, faucets, etc. because the metal pipe can carry electricity.
If you're outdoors during a storm, attempt to get indoors as quickly as possible. If that is not possible, get into an open space and stay low to the ground. Stay away from trees. If you're in the woods, stay near lower trees.
Be aware of potential flooding.
DURING A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM
Remember that you are in danger of lightening if you can hear thunder. Knowing how far away a storm is does not mean that you're in danger only when the storm is overhead.
Hail goes hand in hand with many strong storms. Hail can be as small as a pea or as large as softball and can be extremely destructive. Take cover immediately in a hailstorm. Make sure you bring pets and livestock under shelter.
AFTER A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM
Check people for injuries. A person who has been struck by lightening cannot shock you. If they are burned, call for medical assistance and then give first-responder medical treatment if you're qualified. Look for burn marks where the lightning entered and exited the body. Being struck by lightning can cause the heart to stop beating and breathing to cease. Give CPR until medical help arrives.
Report and stand clear of ANY downed power lines.
Drive only if absolutely necessary and be aware of debris, downed power lines and flooding.
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