This is the first series of a report on preventive measures that can save lives.

This information was obtained at a breakfast meeting on May 9th, 2008, which was hosted by the Disaster Resistant Community Partners of Evansville.

The motto is: Be Prepared. Act Now. Stay safe!

Taking Emergency Action Series – Thunderstorms and Lighting

A thunderstorm is always accompanied by lighting and can cause destructive winds, tornadoes, heavy rain, hail, and flash flooding. Lighting causes more damage in a typical year than floods, hurricanes, and tornadoes combined.

In case of thunderstorms:

ARE YOU INSIDE?

Stay inside and postpone outdoor activities.

Unplug electrical devises not necessary for obtaining weather information.

Avoid using appliances and telephones except in an emergency.

Do not take a bath or shower during a thunderstorm.


ARE YOU OUTDSIDE?

Seek shelter in a sturdy building or a vehicle with a hard top.

Avoid touching metal objects such as bicycles, fences, golf clubs, and lawnmowers.

Do not go near tall tress, poles, hills, wires, or metal pipes.

In water, get out to shore immediately and seek shelter.

In woods, take shelter in a low area under thick, shorter trees.

In the open, head for a low ground such as a valley or a ravine and crouch down.

If golfing, leave the course immediately.

Ina group, do not huddle – spread out.

DO NOT WAIT! PREPARE FOR THUNDERSTORMS:

Install a lightning protection system, which provides a safe path for grounding electric current. They are not noticeable and do not attract lightning.

Install surge protectors to shield electrical equipment and appliances. These range from surge protectors for each item and those that protect the entire house.

Have your home inspected to make sure it is properly grounded for lightning strikes.


Source: Indiana Department of Homeland Security