Thunderstorm
Index:
Lightning
Severe Thunderstorm Watch
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Lightning Safety Tips
If Caught Outside in Severe
Lightning
Care for an Apparent Lightning
Victim
Post Thunderstorm Activities
Lightning
Some
thunderstorms can be seen approaching, while others hit
without warning. It is important to learn and recognize the
danger signs and to plan ahead.
Tornadoes are
spawned by thunderstorms and flash flooding can occur with
thunderstorms. When a "severe thunderstorm warning" is
issued, review what actions to take under a "tornado
warning" or a "flash flood warning."
You actually
can estimate the distance from a thunderstorm. Because light
travels much faster than sound, lightning flashes can be
seen long before the resulting thunder is heard. Estimate
the number of miles you are from a thunderstorm by counting
the number of seconds between a flash of lightning and the
next clap of thunder. Divide this number by five.
Important:
You are in danger from lightning if you can hear thunder.
Knowing how far away a storm is does not mean that you're in
danger only when the storm is overhead.
Hail is
produced by many strong thunderstorms. Hail can be smaller
than a pea or as large as a softball and can be very
destructive to plants and crops. In a hailstorm, take cover
immediately. Pets and livestock are particularly vulnerable
to hail, so bring animals into a shelter.
Severe
Thunderstorm Watch
A severe
thunderstorm watch is issued by the National Weather Service
when the weather conditions are such that a severe
thunderstorm (damaging winds 58 miles per hour or more, or
hail three-fourths of an inch in diameter or greater) is
likely to develop. This is the time to locate a safe place
in the home and tell family members to watch the sky and
listen to the radio or television for more information.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
A severe thunderstorm warning is issued when a severe
thunderstorm has been sighted or indicated by weather radar.
At this point, the danger is very serious and everyone
should go to a safe place and turn on a battery-operated
radio or television to monitor the conditions.
Severe
Lightning Safety Tips
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Get inside a home, large
building or car. |
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Stay away from the
telephone. |
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Stay away from bathtubs. |
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stay away from water
faucets. |
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Stay away from sinks. |
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Stay away from metal
Objects. |
If
Caught Outside in Severe Lightning
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Do not stand underneath a
tall tree in an open area. |
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Do not stand on a hilltop,
in an open field, or on the beach. |
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Avoid metal sheds or
structures. |
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Stay away from open water. |
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Stay away from tractors and
other metal farm objects. |
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Stay away from motorcycles,
scooters, and bicycles. |
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Stay away from golf carts,
put down golf clubs and remove shoes with metal cleats. |
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Stay away from metallic
objects which could carry lightning to you from other
metallic sources. |
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In a wooded area seek
shelter in a low area under a thick growth of small
trees. |
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In open areas, go to a low
place such as a ravine or valley. Be alert for flash
floods. |
Care
for an Apparent Lightning Victim
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Notify 911 |
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Administer CPR if necessary |
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Give first aid for shock |
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Keep victim warm |
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Stay with victim until
medical help arrives. |
Persons
struck by lightning receive a severe electrical shock and
may be burned. However, they carry no electrical charge and
can be handled safely.
Post
Thunderstorm Activities
Check for
injuries. A person who has been struck by lightning does not
carry an electrical charge that can shock other people. If
the victim is burned, provide first aid and call emergency
medical assistance immediately. Look for burns where
lightning entered and exited the body. If the strike cause
the victim's heart and breathing to stop, give
cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) until medical
professionals arrive and take over. Remember to help your
neighbors who may require special assistance--infants,
elderly people, and people with disabilities. If there are
any downed utility lines, report them immediately. Exercise
caution when driving. Debris and washed-out roads may make
driving dangerous.
