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What To Do During a Thunderstorm
10/16/2018 (Permalink)
What To Do During a Thunderstorm
- Stay updated by listening to your local news or NOAA Weather Radio. Watch for the signs of a storm, like flashes of lightning, high winds, and dark skies.
- If thunderstorms are likely, stay indoors. Often, people who were struck by lightning were not in the area where rain occurred.
- When a severe thunderstorm warning is issued, you should take shelter in a sturdy building or in a vehicle with the windows closed. Do not take shelter in a mobile home, as they can blow over in high winds.
- If you can hear thunder then you are close enough to be in danger of getting struck by lightning. The National Weather Service recommends staying inside for at least 30 minutes after the last thunderclap.
- Avoid using electrical equipment, appliances, and telephones. Use battery-powered TVs and radios instead.
- Shutter windows and close and secure outside doors. Keep away from windows.
- Do not use plumbing, bathe or shower during a thunderstorm.
- If you are driving, safely exit the roadway and park. Stay in your vehicle and turn on your emergency flashers until the rain ends. Avoid touching metal or anything that can conduct electricity in or outside the vehicle.
- If you are trapped outside and cannot make it indoors, avoid high ground; water, tall isolated trees; and any metal objects. It is not safe to stay in picnic shelters, dugouts or sheds.