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Thunderstorm
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 telephone 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!
- Draw blinds and shades over windows. 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 Medical Services (EMS) number.
- The injured person has received an
electrical shock and may be burned, both where they were struck and
where the electricity left their body. Check for burns in both
places. Being struck by lightning can also cause nervous system
damage, broken bones, and loss of hearing or eyesight.
- Give first aid. If breathing has stopped,
begin rescue breathing. If the heart has stopped beating, a trained
person should give CPR. If the person has a pulse and is breathing,
look and care for other possible injuries. Learn first aid and CPR
by taking a Red Cross first aid and CPR course.
Your Local Red Cross Chapter Can Provide Additional Materials in
English and Spanish:
- "Are You Ready for a Tornado?"
(ARC 4457)
- "Are You Ready for a Flood or Flash
Flood?" (ARC 4458)
- "Your Family Disaster Plan" (ARC
4466)
- "Your Family Disaster Supplies
Kit" (ARC 4463)
Materials for Children:
- "Disaster Preparedness Coloring
Book" (ARC 2200, English) for children ages 3-10.
- "Adventures of the Disaster
Dudes" (ARC 5024) video and Presenter's Guide for use by an
adult with children in grades 4-6.
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