Severe Weather

Prepare for Severe Weather

o   Know your area’s risk for severe weather, such as thunderstorms, lighting, and straight-line winds.

o   Identify nearby sturdy buildings, near where you live, work, attend school, etc., where you can take shelter in severe weather.

o   Cut down or trim trees that may be in danger of falling on your home.

o   Consider purchasing surge protectors, lightning rods, or a lightning protection system to protect your home, appliances, and electronic devices.

Protect Yourself

o   When thunder roars, go indoors.  A sturdy building the safest place to be during a thunderstorm.

o   Pay attention to weather reports and warnings of thunderstorms, and other severe weather threats.

o   When you receive a thunderstorm or severe weather warning, go inside immediately.

o   If indoors, avoid running water or using landline telephones.  Electricity can travel through plumbing and phone lines.

o   Unplug appliances and other electric devices.  Secure outside furniture.

o   If boating or swimming, get to land and find a sturdy grounded shelter or vehicle immediately.

o   If necessary, take shelter in a car with a metal top and sides.  Do not touch anything metal.

o   Avoid flooded roadways.  Six inches of moving water can knock a person down.  One foot of moving water can sweep an automobile away.

After the Storm

o   Listen to authorities and weather forecasts for information on whether it is safe to go outside, and for instructions regarding potential flash flooding.

o   Watch for fallen power lines and trees.  Report them immediately and do not go near them.