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Thunderstorm Safety

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 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. (Leaving electric lights on, however, does not
    increase the chances of your home being struck by lightning.)
  • 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

  • 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!


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 or 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. Being
    struck by lightning can also cause nervous system damage, broken bones, and loss of
    hearing or eyesight.
  • Give first aid. If breathing has stopped, begin rescue breathing. If the heart has stopped
    beating, a trained person should give CPR. If the person has a pulse and is breathing,
    look and care for other possible injuries. Learn first aid and CPR by taking a Red Cross
    first aid and CPR course.