Thunderstorm Tips

Are You Ready for a Thunderstorm?

Here's what you can do to prepare yourself and your family:

Before Lightning Strikes:

• Keep an eye on the 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 a safe shelter immediately!
• Listen to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for the latest weather forecasts.

• 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.
• Avoid taking a bath or shower, or running water for any 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 you are in the woods, take shelter under the shorter trees.
• If you are boating or swimming, get to land and find shelter immediately!

• 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!

• Stay away from storm-damaged areas.
• Listen to the radio for information and instructions

• People struck by lightning carry no electrical charge and can be handled safely.
• Call for help. Get someone to dial 9-1-1.
• 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.
• Give first aid. If breathing has stopped, begin rescue breathing. If the heart has stopped beating, a trained person should give CPR.
• Learn First Aid and CPR.
• Take a Red Cross first aid and CPR course. Call the Orange County Chapter at (409) 883-2322 if you are in Orange County, for course a schedule.
• Are You Ready for a Thunderstorm? (ARC 5009. ) Thunderstorms are frequent partners of hurricanes and typhoons. This 2-page, 4-color brochure, co-logoed with the NOAA/National Weather Service and FEMA, gives important safety information about thunderstorms and lightning.

For more information on emergency preparedness contact:
West Orange Emergency Management at 409-883-3468 (2700 Austin Avenue, West Orange, TX).