Before lightning strikes—
✔ Keep an eye on the sky. Look for
darkening skies, flashes of light,
or increasing wind. Listen for the
sound of thunder.
✔ If you can hear thunder, you are
close enough to the storm to be
struck by lightning. Go to safe
shelter immediately.
✔ Listen to NOAA Weather Radio,
commercial radio, or television
for the latest weather forecasts.
When a storm approaches—
✔ Find shelter in a building or car.
Keep car windows closed and
avoid convertibles.
✔ Telephone lines and metal pipes
can conduct electricity. Unplug
appliances. Avoid using the tele-
phone or any electrical appliances.
(Leaving electric lights on, however,
does not increase the chances
of your home being struck by
lightning.)
✔ Avoid taking a bath or shower,
or running water for any other
purpose.
✔ Turn off the air conditioner. Power
surges from lightning can overload
the compressor, resulting in a
costly repair job!
Are You Ready for a Thunderstorm?
Here’s what you can do to prepare yourself and your family
Thunderstorm✔ Draw blinds and shades over win-
dows. If windows break due to
objects blown by the wind, the
shades will prevent glass from
shattering into your home.
If caught outside—
✔ If you are in the woods, take
shelter under the shorter trees.
✔ If you are boating or swimming,
get to land and find shelter
immediately!
Protecting yourself outside
✔ Go to a low-lying, open place
away from trees, poles, or metal
objects. Make sure the place you
pick is not subject to flooding.
✔ Be a very small target! Squat low
to the ground. Place your hands
on your knees with your head
between them. Make yourself
the smallest target possible.
✔ Do not lie flat on the ground—
this will make you a larger target!
After the storm passes—
✔ Stay away from storm-damaged
areas.
✔ Listen to the radio for information
and instructions.
If someone is struck by
lightning—
✔ People struck by lightning carry
no electrical charge and can be
handled safely.
✔ Call for help. Get someone to dial
9-1-1 or your local Emergency
Medi