Thunderstorms
Thunderstorms are often accompanied by high winds, hail, lightning, heavy rain and tornadoes. Thunderstorms are usually over within an hour, although a series of thunderstorms can last for several hours.
Before a Thunderstorm
- Unplug radios and televisions - listen for weather updates on your battery-powered radio.
- Cut down or trim trees that may be in danger of falling onto your home.
- Consider buying surge protectors, a lightning protection system, or lightning rods to protect your home, appliances, and electronic devices.
During a Thunderstorm
- “When thunder roars, go indoors!” Stop outdoor activities and seek a safe, enclosed shelter immediately.
- Remember the 30-30 Rule. After seeing lightning, start counting to 30. If you hear thunder before reaching 30, go indoors. Suspend outdoor activities for at least 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder.
- If shelter is not available, crouch down low, with as little of your body touching the ground as possible. Lighting can cause electric currents along the top of the ground that can be deadly up to, and exceeding, 100 feet away.
- When you hear thunder or see lightning, move to a safe shelter immediately, such as a substantial building, or a metal-topped vehicle (not a convertible), with the windows rolled up.
- Avoid concrete floors and walls. Lightning can travel through metal wires or bars that may be embedded in concrete.
- Stay away from items that conduct electricity, such as corded telephones, appliances, sinks, bathtubs, radiators, and metal pipes.
- Get out and away from bodies of water. If boating, fishing or swimming, get to land and find a sturdy, grounded shelter or vehicle immediately.
- If indoors, avoid running water or using landline phones. Electricity can travel through plumbing and telephone lines.
- Never drive or walk through flooded roadways. Turn Around Don’t Drown. It takes just six inches of fast-moving water to knock an adult down, and about 12 inches of moving water can sweep away most vehicles.
After a Thunderstorm
- Wait 30 minutes after the last rumble of thunder before resuming outdoor activities.
- Watch for fallen power lines or broken tree limbs. Report hazards immediately.
