Lightning Safety Rules

         Remember, if you can hear thunder – you are close enough to be struck by lightning! 

·         Postpone outdoor activities if thunderstorms are imminent. This is your best way to avoid being caught in a dangerous situation.

·         Move to a sturdy building or car. Do not take shelter in small sheds, under isolated trees, or in convertible automobiles.

·         Stay away from tall objects such as towers, fences, telephone poles, and power lines.

·         If lightning is occurring and a sturdy shelter is not available, get inside a hard top automobile and keep the windows up. Avoid touching any metal.

·         Utility lines and metal pipes can conduct electricity. Unplug appliances not necessary for

·         obtaining weather information. Avoid using the telephone or any electrical appliances. Use phones ONLY in an emergency.

·         Do not take a bath or shower during a thunderstorm.

·         Turn off air conditioners. Power surges from lightning can cause serious damage.

  If Caught Outdoors and No Shelter Is Nearby

·         Find a low spot away from trees, fences, and poles.

·         Make sure the place you pick is not subject to flooding.

·         If you are in the woods, take shelter under the shorter trees.

·         If you feel your skin tingle or your hair stand on

·         end, squat low to the ground on the balls of your

·         feet. Place your hands over your ears and your

·         head between your knees. Make yourself the

·         smallest target possible and minimize your

·         contact with the ground. DO NOT lie down.

·         If you are boating or swimming, get out of the water as quickly as possible.

Tornado Safety Rules

·               In a home or building, move to a pre-designated shelter, such as a basement.

·               If an underground shelter is not available, move to a small interior room or hallway on the lowest floor and get under a sturdy piece of furniture. Put as many walls as possible

·               between you and the outside.

·               Stay away from windows.

·               Get out of automobiles.

·               Do not try to outrun a tornado in your car; instead, leave it

·               immediately for safe shelter.

·               If caught outside or in a vehicle, lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands.

·               Be aware of flying debris. Flying debris from tornadoes causes most fatalities and injuries.

·               Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes. You should leave a mobile home and go to the lowest floor of a sturdy nearby building or a storm shelter.

Flash Flood Safety Rules

·               Avoid walking, swimming, or driving in flood waters.

·               Stay away from high water, storm drains, ditches, ravines, or culverts. If it is moving

·               swiftly, even water six inches deep can knock you off your feet.

·               If you come upon flood waters, stop, turn around, and go another way.

·               Climb to higher ground.

·               Do not let children play near storm drains.