Thunderstorms and Lightening
Regardless of their severity, all thunderstorms are dangerous.  Every thunderstorm produces lightening,
which kills more people each year than tornadoes.  Strong wind, hail, flooding, and tornadoes are other dangers associated with thunderstorms.

A typical thunderstorm is 15 miles in diameter and lasts an average of 20 to 30 minutes.  Of the 100,000 thunderstorms that occur each year in the United States, only about 10% are classified as “severe.”

National Weather Service Terms
Severe Thunderstorm Watch:  Conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning:  Issued when a thunderstorm is predicted to produce hail ¾ of an inch or larger in diameter and/or have winds which equal or exceed 58 miles per hour.

Lightening and Thunderstorm Safety Tips
While lightening can be fascinating to watch, it is also extremely dangerous.  Lightening causes an average of 67 fatalities and 300 injuries a year.

The safest place to be during a thunderstorm is indoors.  Postpone outdoor activities if a thunderstorm is imminent.

Remember the 30/30 rule.  If you see lightening, count the seconds before you hear thunder.  If it’s less than 30 seconds, take cover.  Once indoors, wait 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder before venturing back out.

If You Are In A House Or Building

• Do not use the telephone or any electrical appliance connected to the building’s electrical wiring.
• Do not use showers, sinks, or any object, machine, or device connected to the building’s plumbing system.  If lightening strikes the building, the current will flow through either the electrical wiring or water pipes and you could receive a fatal shock.
• Automobiles can also protect you from a lightening strike because the current will flow through the car’s metal frame. If you are in a car, do not touch any exposed metal connected to the car.
• Remember, indoors means indoors.  Structures like bus shelters or any small non-metal structures do not provide sufficient lightening protection.

If You Are Caught Outside During A Thunderstorm

• Stay away from tall, isolated objects like trees, flagpoles or posts, and avoid open areas like fields or parking lots where you are the highest object.

• Stay away from lakes, ponds, railroad tracks, and fences, which could carry current from a distant lightening strike.
• If there is no shelter, crouch down, grab your ankles and bend forward, so that your head is not the highest part of your body but be sure your head does not touch the ground.  Do not lie flat on the ground.
• If lightening is about to strike you or something extremely close, you may experience a tingling feeling on your skin and your hair may stand on end.  If this occurs, quickly assume the position described above. Even if you are caught outside in a thunderstorm, do not panic.  You will likely find sufficient shelter.

What To Do If Someone Is Struck By Lightening

• Call for help.  Call 911 or your local ambulance service.  Get medical attention as quickly as possible.
• Give first aid. If the victim has stopped breathing, begin rescue breathing. If the heart has stopped beating, a trained person should begin CPR.  If the person has a pulse and is breathing, address any other injuries.  For information on how to learn CPR, contact the American Red Cross.
• Check for burns in two places. The injured person has received and electrical shock and may be burned, both where they were struck and where the electricity left their body. Being struck by lightening can also cause nervous system damage, broken bones, and loss of hearing or eyesight.  People struck by lightening carry no electrical charge that can shock other people. You can examine them without risk.

Preparing For A Thunderstorm
Downbursts and winds associated with severe thunderstorms can produce 100-150 mph winds. The resulting damage can equal that of most tornados. If a sever thunderstorm warning is issued:

• Take shelter
• Pay attention to local weather forecasts and bulletins issued by the National Weather Service on local radio stations.
• Shutter windows securely and brace outside doors.
• Secure outdoor objects such as lawn furniture or garbage cans that could blow away and cause damage or injury.
• In extreme conditions, consider shutting off power and appliance gas switches to prevent damage to your appliances.
• Make sure your Household Disaster Plan and Emergency Supply Kit are ready to go.

Safety Tips For Driving During A Thunderstorm or Heavy Rain Storm

• Turn on your lights.
• Pull onto the shoulder of the road and stop, making sure you are away from trees or other tall objects that could fall on your vehicle.  Stay in your car and turn on your hazard lights until the heavy rain subsides.
• Listen to your car radio and be alert.
• Avoid contact with metal or conducting surfaces outside and inside the vehicle.
• Avoid flooded roadways.  The depth of the water is not always obvious.
• If you find yourself in a skid, remain calm, ease your foot off the accelerator, and steer in the direction you want the car to go.  If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, brake firmly as you steer into the skid. If your vehicle does not have anti-lock brakes, avoid using your brakes.
• To avoid hydroplaning, do not brake or turn suddenly.