Thunderstorms & Lightning

8/20/2019 (Permalink)

Lightning is a leading cause of injury and death from weather-related hazards. Although most lightning victims survive, people struck by lightning often report a variety of long-term, debilitating symptoms. Thunderstorms are dangerous storms that include lightning and can:

• Include powerful winds over 50 MPH;

• Create hail; and

• Cause flash flooding and tornadoes.

IF YOU ARE UNDER A THUNDERSTORM WARNING, FIND SAFE SHELTER RIGHT AWAY

• When thunder roars, go indoors!

• Move from outdoors into a building or car.

• Pay attention to alerts and warnings.

• Unplug appliances.

• Do not use landline phones.

HOW TO STAY SAFE WHEN A THUNDERSTORM THREATENS

Prepare NOW

• Know your area’s risk for thunderstorms. In most places, they can occur year-round and at any hour.

• Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.

• Identify nearby, sturdy buildings close to where you live, work, study, and play.

• Cut down or trim trees that may be in danger of falling on your home.

• Consider buying surge protectors, lightning rods, or a lightning protection system to protect your home, appliances, and electronic devices.

Survive DURING

• When thunder roars, go indoors. A sturdy building is the safest place to be during a thunderstorm.
• Pay attention to weather reports and warnings of thunderstorms. Be ready to change plans, if necessary, to be near shelter.
• When you receive a thunderstorm warning or hear thunder, go inside immediately.
• If indoors, avoid running water or using landline phones. Electricity can travel through plumbing and phone lines.
• Protect your property. Unplug appliances and other electric devices. Secure outside furniture.
• If boating or swimming, get to land and find a sturdy, grounded shelter or vehicle immediately.
• If necessary, take shelter in a car with a metal top and sides. Do not touch anything metal.
• Avoid flooded roadways. Turn Around. Don’t Drown! Just six inches of fast-moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.

Be Safe AFTER

• Listen to authorities and weather forecasts for information on whether it is safe to go outside and instructions regarding potential flash flooding.
• Watch for fallen power lines and trees. Report them immediately.

Source: www.ready.gov

Remember, if disaster strikes contact SERVPRO of Springfield and Sangamon, Morgan, Cass, Macoupin, Montgomery Counties 24/7 at 217-528-7775.