1. Be aware: Thunderstorms can produce tornadoes, lightning, high winds,
flash flooding and hail.
2. Know your weather forecasting terms- Know the difference between watches and warnings.
THUNDERSTORM WATCHES- alerts you to potential severe thunderstorm outbreaks. Keep your eyes to the sky and watch for developing thunderstorm activity. Tune in to local radio or television to know when warnings are issued.
THUNDERSTORM WARNINGS-alerts you that a severe thunderstorm has been detected by a trained spotter or indicated by radar. Warnings indicate imminent danger to life or property and you should seek shelter immediately. Get inside a sturdy home, office building or hard top automobiles. Stay away from mobile homes and manufactured homes if at all possible.
3.Safety Supply Kit- have it ready at all times. For a Safety Kit Checklist, please click here.
4. Practice your plan- let friends and family know where you will be if disaster strikes
5. Do not use wired telephones during a thunderstorm
6. Stay out of the shower and bath tubs
7. Unplug appliances- unplug computers, televisions, air conditioners, etc. Power surges from lightning can cause serious damage.
8. Secure outdoor furniture and other objects as they may become projectiles in high winds. Close shutters if possible, otherwise close blinds, shades and curtains and shut exterior doors.
9. Caught outdoors-look for shelter immediately- stay away from trees, power lines, ponds, rivers and lakes. Crouch down low on the ground. Do not lie on the ground, make as little contact with the ground as possible in case of lightning strikes.
10. Caught in a vehicle- watch for rising water, downed power lines, debris on the roadway. If heavy rains hinder your driving vision remember to pull off to the side of the road out of the way of traffic with your emergency hazard lights on. Do not park under bridges and overpasses as this blocks traffic and emergency personnel from getting through.
11. NOAA- have a NOAA Weather Radio on hand to listen to important updates from local officials.