In the United States, lightning kills
300 people and injures 80 on average, each year. All thunderstorms
produce lightning and all have the potential for danger. Those dangers
can include tornadoes, strong winds, hail, wildfires and flash flooding,
which is responsible for more fatalities than any other thunderstorm-related
hazard.
Lightning's risk to individuals and property is increased because
of its unpredictability, which emphasizes the importance of preparedness.
It often strikes outside of heavy rain and may occur as far as 10
miles away from any rainfall. Most lightning deaths and injuries
occur when people are caught outdoors in the summer months during
the afternoon and evening.
Step 1: Get a Kit
Get an Emergency Supply Kit, which
includes items like non-perishable food, water, a battery-powered
or hand-crank radio, extra flashlights and batteries.
Step 2: Make a Plan
Prepare Your Family
- Make a Family Emergency Plan.
- Inform babysitters and caregivers of your plan.
- Take a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) class from
your local Citizen
Corps chapter. Keep your training current.
- Remember the 30/30 Lightning Safety Rule:
Go indoors if, after seeing lightning, you cannot count to 30
before hearing thunder. Stay indoors for 30 minutes after hearing
the last clap of thunder.
Step 3: Be Informed
Familiarize yourself with the terms that are used to identify
a thunderstorm hazard
- A thunderstorm watch means there is a possibility
of a thunderstorm in your area.
- A thunderstorm warning means a thunderstorm
is occurring or will likely occur soon. If you are advised to
take shelter, do so immediately.
Prepare Your Home
- Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall and
cause injury or damage during a severe thunderstorm.
- Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage.
- Shutter windows and secure outside doors. If shutters are not
available, close window blinds, shades or curtains.
- Find out how to keep food safe during and after and emergency
by visiting www.FoodSafety.gov.
Listen to Local Officials
Learn about the emergency plans that have been established in your
area by your state
and local government. In any emergency, always listen to the
instructions given by local emergency management officials.
For further information on how to plan and prepare for thunderstorms
and lightening as well as what to do during and after a thunderstorm,
visit: Federal
Emergency Management Agency, NOAA
Watch, or American Red Cross.
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