American Red Cross
Showing We Care for Our Community
from Volunteer Michelle Adams
Its that time of Year again when the Thunderstorms are here Sharing Ways to be Better Prepared &
What Should I Do During & After A Thunderstorm
THUNDERSTORM SAFETY CHECKLIST
HOW CAN I PREPARE AHEAD OF TIME
❐ Learn about your local community’s
emergency warning system for severe
thunderstorms.
❐ Discuss thunderstorm safety with all
members of your household.
❐ Pick a safe place in your home for
household members to gather during a
thunderstorm. This should be away from
windows, skylights and glass doors that
could be broken by strong winds or hail.
❐ Make a list of items to bring inside in the
event of a severe thunderstorm.
❐ Make trees and shrubbery more wind
resistant by keeping them trimmed and
removing damaged branches.
❐ Protect your animals by ensuring that any
outside buildings that house them are
protected in the same way as your home.
❐ Consult your local fire department if you
are considering installing lightning rods.
❐ Get trained in first aid and learn how to
respond to emergencies.
❐ Put together an emergency preparedness kit:
•Water—one gallon per person, per day
• Food—non-perishable, easy-to-prepare
• Flashlight • Battery-powered or handcrank
radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if
possible) • Extra batteries • First aid kit
• Medications (7-day supply) and medical
items • Multi-purpose tool • Sanitation
& personal hygiene items • Copies of
personal documents • Cell phone with
chargers • Family & emergency contact
information • Extra cash
WHAT SHOULD I DO DURING A THUNDERSTORM
❐ Listen to local news or NOAA Weather
Radio for emergency updates. Watch for
signs of a storm, like darkening skies,
lightning flashes or increasing wind.
❐ Postpone outdoor activities if
thunderstorms are likely to occur. Many
people struck by lightning are not in the
area where rain is occurring.
❐ If a severe thunderstorm warning is
issued, take shelter in a substantial
building or in a vehicle with the windows
closed. Get out of mobile homes that can
blow over in high winds.
❐ If you can hear thunder, you are close
enough to be in danger from lightning.If
thunder roars, go indoors! The National
Weather Service recommends staying
inside for at least 30 minutes after the last
thunder clap.
❐ Avoid electrical equipment and telephones.
Use battery-poweredTVs and radios instead.
❐ Shutter windows and close outside doors
securely. Keep away from windows.
❐ Do not take a bath, shower or use plumbing.
❐ If you are driving, try to safely exit the
roadway and park. Stay in the vehicle and
turn on the emergency flashers until the
heavy rain ends. Avoid touching metal or
other surfaces that conduct electricity in
and outside the vehicle.
❐ If you are outside and cannot reach a safe
building, avoid high ground; water; tall,
isolated trees; and metal objects such as
fences or bleachers. Picnic shelters,
dugouts and sheds are NOT safe
WHAT DO I DO AFTER A THUNDERSTORM
❐ Never drive through a flooded roadway.
Turn around, don’t drown!
❐ Stay away from storm-damaged areas to
keep from putting yourself at risk from the
effects of severe thunderstorms.
❐ Continue to listen to a NOAA Weather
Radio or to local radio and television
stations for updated information or
instructions, as access to roads or some
parts of the community may be blocked.
❐ Help people who may require special
assistance, such as infants, children and
the elderly or disabled.
❐ Stay away from downed power lines and
report them immediately.
❐ Watch your animals closely. Keep them
under your direct control.
If Lightning Strikes …
Follow these steps if someone has been struck
by lightning:
❐ Call for help. Call 9-1-1 or the local
emergency number. Anyone who has
sustained a lightning strike requires
professional medical care.
❐ Check the person for burns and
other injuries. If the person has
stopped breathing, call 9-1-1 and begin
CPR. If the person is breathing normally,
look for other possible injuries and care
for them as necessary. People who have
been struck by lightning do not retain an
electrical charge and can be handled
safely.
