|
Are You Ready
for a
Thunderstorm? |
| Before lightning strikes... |
- Keep an eye on the sky. Look for darkening 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.
|
| When a storm approaches... |
- 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
other 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 caught outside... |
- Take shelter under the shorter trees, if you are in the
woods.
- Get to land and find shelter immediately, if you are boating
or swimming!
|
| Protecting yourself outside... |
- 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!
|
| After the storm passes... |
- Stay away from storm-damaged areas.
- Listen to the radio for information and instructions.
|
| If someone is struck by lightning... |
- People struck by lightning carry no electrical charge and
can be handled safely.
- Call for help. Get someone to dial 9-1-1 on your local
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) number.
- 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 your
local Red Cross chapter for class schedules and fees.
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