Learn to identify danger signals in a thunder storm.
• Dark or threatening clouds.
• Distant lightning and thunders.
Have disaster supply handy:
• Flash light with additional batteries
• Additional batteries and portable battery operated radio
• First aid kit and manual
• Emergency food and water
• Non-electric can opener
• Essential medication
• Cash and credit cards
• Resistant shoes
Check for hazards in the patio.
Dead or rotten trees and branches may fall during a violent electric storm and cause injury or damage.
• Ensure that all your family members know how to respond after a thunder storm.
• Teach your family members when and how to shut off gas, electricity and water.
• Teach children when and how to call 911, the police or fire department and which radio station would broadcast emergency information.
Warnings and signs of a severe thunder storm
The National Weather Service issues a severe thunder storm warning when weather conditions show that a severe thunder storm is likely (harmful winds of 58 mile per hour or more, or hail with three quarters of an in diameter or more). It is the moment to locate a safe place at the house and instruct family members to observe the sky and listen to the radio or television to learn more information.
A severe thunder storm warning is issued when a thunder storm has been seen or indicated by the weather radar. At this moment, danger is very serious and everyone should go to a safe place, turn on a battery operated radio or television and wait for the authorities to declare that the danger has passed.
Learn how to respond to a tornado and flash floods.
Thunder storms generate tornadoes and flash floods may be produces. When a “severe thunder storm warning” is issued, review measures you need to adopt under a “tornado warning” or “flash flood warning”.
Develop an emergency communication plan.
In case the family members are separated from each other during a thunder storm (a real possibility during the day when the adults are at work and the children at school), have a plan to reunite.
Ask a relative or friend living out of state to act as the “family contact”. After a disaster, it is often easier to make long distance calls. Make sure that everyone in the family knows the name, address and telephone of the contact person.
Get in touch with the local fire department or Red Cross chapter to request more information about fire prevention.
