Severe Weather
	Heat	Storm	Tornado

Before Lightening Strikes

• Keep an eye on the sky, look for darkening skies, flashes of light, or increasing wind
• If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightening, go to safe shelter immediately
• Listen to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for latest weather forecasts

When a Storm Approaches Find a shelter in a building or car

• Avoid taking a bath or shower
• Turn off air conditioner
• Draw Blinds and shades over windows

If Caught Outside

• If you are in the woods, take shelter under the shorter trees
• If you are boating or swimming, get to land and find shelter immediately!
• Protect Yourself Outside
• Have as little contact with the ground as possible!

After the Storm passes…

• Stay away from storm damaged areas
• Listen to the radio for information and instructions

Lightening Safety Rules

• Postpone outdoor activities if thunderstorms are imminent. This is your best way to avoid being caught in a dangerous situation.
• Move to a sturdy building or car. Do not take shelter in small sheds, under isolated trees, or in convertible automobiles. Stay away from tall object such as towers, fences, telephone poles, and power lines.
• If lightening is occurring and a sturdy shelter is not available, get inside a hard top automobile and keep the windows up. Avoid touching any metal.
• Utility lines and metal pipes can conduct electricity.
• Unplug appliances not necessary for obtaining weather information. Avoid using the telephone or any electrical appliances. Use phone ONLY in an emergency.  Power surges from lightening can cause serious damage.

For more information on severe weather safety, please contact your local Red Cross chapter.