FAQs
If caught outside, take shelter in a sturdy enclosed building or hard top automobile immediately. Avoid open spaces, isolated objects, high ground and metallic objects. Get out of boats and away from bodies of water. Remember, if you can hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning.
What are 3 ways to stay safe during a severe storm? ›
The most important things to remember are:
- GET IN - If you are outside, get inside. If you're already inside, get as far into the middle of the building as possible.
- GET DOWN - Get underground if possible. ...
- COVER UP - Flying and falling debris are a storm's number one killer.
If you are under a thunderstorm warning:
- When thunder roars, go indoors! Move from outdoors into a building or car with a roof.
- Pay attention to alerts and warnings.
- Avoid using electronic devices connected to an electrical outlet.
- Avoid running water.
- Turn Around. Don't Drown! Do not drive through flooded roadways.
If you need to stay home:
- Keep your emergency supply kit in a place you can easily access.
- Listen to the radio or TV for updates on the hurricane.
- Stay inside. Even if it looks calm, don't go outside. ...
- Stay away from windows—you could get hurt by pieces of broken glass or flying debris during a storm. ...
- Be ready to leave.
Take safe shelter immediately inside a sturdy building, away from windows, doors and electrical appliances. Avoid contact with conductors of electricity, appliances, metal objects and water. Get out of boats and away from water. Find a low spot (but one that will not flood) away from trees, fences and poles.
What should I not do in a storm? ›
Avoid windows, doors, porches, and concrete.
Stay away from windows and doors, and stay off porches. Do NOT lie on concrete floors or lean on concrete walls during a thunderstorm. Lightning can travel through any metal wires or bars in concrete walls or flooring.
What are 10 safety tips for lightning? ›
Outdoor Lightning Safety Tips
Never shelter under an isolated tree. Never use a cliff or rocky overhang for shelter. Immediately get out and away from open areas and open water like ponds, lakes and other bodies of water. Stay away from objects that conduct electricity (metal fences, power lines, windmills, etc.)
Is it OK to watch TV in a thunderstorm? ›
Some people enjoy nestling up and watching television during a storm. Unfortunately, this could prove to be a big mistake. If lightning happens to strike a nearby electric pole, this can create a power surge. Your household appliances simply can't handle the extra volts of electricity.
What are 5 dangers of lightning? ›
Dangers of lightning
- ground current.
- side flash.
- contact (with an object struck by lightning)
- upward leaders.
- direct strike.
- blunt trauma.
When You See Lightning, Count The Time Until You Hear Thunder. If That Is 30 Seconds Or Less, The Thunderstorm Is Close Enough To Be Dangerous – Seek Shelter (if you can't see the lightning, just hearing the thunder is a good back-up rule). Wait 30 Minutes Or More After The Lightning Flash Before Leaving Shelter.
Avoid showering, bathing, washing dishes, or doing laundry. Plumbing and bathroom fixtures can conduct electricity. Avoid contact with metal objects (yard equipment, motorcycles, bicycles, etc.). Stay inside until at least 30 minutes after you last hear thunder or see lightning.
Is it OK to shower during a thunderstorm? ›
People may be at risk of electric shock if lightning strikes a building and travels through metal plumbing. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) , people should avoid showering, bathing, and other activities that involve running water or plumbing during a thunderstorm.
What is the number 1 safety tip for surviving a hurricane? ›
Staying at Home
Determine your best protection for high winds and flooding. Take shelter in a designated storm shelter or an interior room for high winds. Stay away from glass windows and doors. Move to higher ground before flooding begins.
What to do during a storm? ›
What to do during a storm
- Stay informed on weather updates. ...
- Put your household emergency plan into action and check your getaway kit in case you have to leave in a hurry.
- Secure, or move indoors, all items that could get blown about and cause harm in strong winds.
- Close windows, external and internal doors.
Check emergency equipment, such as flashlights, generators and storm shutters. Write or review your Family Emergency Plan: Before an emergency happens, sit down with your family or close friends and decide how you will get in contact with each other, where you will go, and what you will do in an emergency.
What are 3 things people can do to stay safe before or during a hurricane? ›
✓ Follow instructions issued by local officials.
✓ Take refuge in a small interior room, closet or hallway on the lowest level during the storm. Put as many walls between you and the outside as you can. ✓ Stay away from windows, skylights and glass doors.
How should a person stay safe in that severe weather? ›
Weather Service
- Go to the basem*nt or a small interior room. - Cover your head. - Stay away from windows. - Do not try to outrun the tornado in your car.
What are the three steps that you can take to prepare for severe weather? ›
Being prepared is easy - just three short steps away:
- Get a kit. Get your emergency preparedness kit ready. You should include: ...
- Make a plan. Talk with household members about what you would do during emergencies. ...
- Be informed. Know the risks where you live, work, learn and play.
