THUNDERSTORM SAFETY TIPS

Many of us have experienced a thunderstorm and lightning, but a severe
thunderstorm means that winds reach more than 57 miles per hour or there is
hail 3/4 inches or more in diameter.  Whether the thunderstorm is "severe" or
not, the lightning always is dangerous.  Severe thunderstorms can and do
produce tornadoes, flash floods, and hail.  They often knock out electrical
power.

Thunderstorms and lightning can happen in every state of the United States and
can occur year round, with most activity in the spring, summer, and fall
months.


                           TIPS TO GET READY:

1.  Keep an eye to the sky and watch The Weather Channel, local TV, or radio
    during warm  periods, strong storm systems, and during cold fronts.  If you
    see the puffy Cumulus begin to get very dark and the winds begin to blow
    get ready for a THUNDERSTORM.

2.  Know the name of the county or parish in which you live, since the National
    Weather Service will issue warnings and watches by county or parish name.
    These warnings and watches get relayed to The Weather Channel, local TV and
    radio.  You can listen for these warnings and know when you're in for a
    severe thunderstorm.

3.  Plan where you and your family will go during a bad thunderstorm.


                 BEFORE THE STORM...OR DURING A WATCH

A severe thunderstorm WATCH means that a thunderstorm and lightning are
possible.  If a severe thunderstorm WATCH is issued for your county or parish,
GET SET.

1.  Watch The Weather Channel, local TV or listen to radio close to stay
    informed about weather conditions.

2.  Take a look out the window to see the lightning or open the door to hear
    the thunder.

3.  Once you see the skies darkening, and the storm is approaching it's time to
    go indoors fast.


                   DURING A BAD STORM...OR WARNING

A severe thunderstorm WARNING means that a severe thunderstorm and lightning
are imminent.  You may have only a few minutes to go to safety.  Thunderstorms
can happen so rapidly you may not get a warning.  If you do get a warning or
conditions are severe even without a warning.

1.  Stay Calm.  Be prepared and respectful. Go inside for protection
    immediately.

2.  When inside, stay away from the window, water, faucets, sinks, and
    bathtubs.

3.  DO NOT use the telephone, since lightning can travel down phone wires.

4.  Some storms can damage the appliances inside your home so turn off and
    unplug televisions, computers, or other appliances when appropriate.  You
    must be careful that lightning isn't so near that it could strike your
    house and injure or kill you while your unplugging appliances.

5.  If you are in a hard topped car out in the open, it's best you stay there.

6.  If you are caught outside, stay away from tall trees, open fields, open
    waters, or small isolated sheds.  Try to keep yourself lower than the
    nearest conductive object, and maintain your distance from it.

7.  Stay away from bicycles, golf clubs, tractors, fences, or any metal
    objects.


           SOME THUNDERSTORMS CAN CREATE FLASH FLOODS

1.  Stay out of low lying areas like dry creek beds or along river areas.  This
    is especially true if you are in a flood prone area that frequently floods
    in heavy runoff, like some canyon areas.  You need to be wary of big long
    lasting thunderstorms if you're camping or living in a flood prone area.
    Seek higher ground if you see the signs of intense long lasting rain or
    rapidly rising water.  Think where you are and what you'd do.

           REMEMBER SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS CAN LEAD TO TORNADO DEVELOPMENT

In a very bad thunderstorm and you've heard that a severe thunderstorm warning
has been issued for your county and city remember that a tornado could be
possible.  If you hear that the severe thunderstorm has been upgraded to a
TORNADO WARNING this means that a tornado has been sighted or radar-indicated.

1.  Seek shelter immediately in the lower floors or basement of your home or
    apartment building. Take shelter in small interior rooms like the rest
    rooms, closets and utility rooms as well as interior corridors.  Be sure to
    cover and protect your head and body from flying and falling debris.


   Source:  Red Cross & NOAA