Before the Storm...
Know the county or township in which you live and the names of the nearby major cities. Sever weather warnings are issued on a county or township basis. Check the weather forecast before leaving for extended outdoor periods. Watch for signs of approaching storms. If a storm is approaching, keep a weather radio or AM/FM radio with you. Postpone outdoor activities if thunderstorms are imminent. This is you best way to avoid being caught in a dangerous situation.
When Thunderstorms Approach...
Remember: if you can hear thunder, you are close enough to a storm to be struck by lightning.
- Go to a safe shelter immediately.
- Move to a sturdy building or car.
- Do not take shelter in small sheds, under isolated trees, or in a convertible automobile. If lightning is occurring and a sturdy shelter is not available, get inside a hardtop automobile and keep the windows up.
- Get out of boats and away from water.
- Telephone lines and metal pipes can conduct electricity. Unplug appliances not necessary to obtain weather information. Avoid using telephones or any electrical appliance. Use phones ONLY in an emergency.
- Do not take a bath or shower.
- Turn off air conditioner. Power surges from lightning can overload the compressors.
- Get to higher ground if flash floods are possible. Once flooding begins, abandon cars and climb to higher ground. Do not attempt to drive to safety. Note: Most flash flood deaths occur in automobiles.
If Caught Outdoors and No Shelter is Nearby...
- Find a low spot away from trees, fences and poles. Make sure the place you pick is not subject to flooding.
- If you are in the woods, take shelter under shorter trees.
- If you feel your skin tingle or your hair stand on end, squat low to the ground on the balls of your feet. Place you hands on your knees with your head between them.
- Make yourself the smallest target possible and minimize your contact to the ground.
- If you are boating or swimming, get to land and find shelter immediately.
Some Enlightening Facts... An average lightning stroke is 6 miles long. The temperature of lightning's return stroke can reach 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit. The surface of the sun is not even that hot! (around 11,000 degrees Fahrenheit).The average thunderstorm is 6-10 miles wide and travels at a rate of 25 miles per hour. Once the leading edge of a thunderstorm approaches to within 10 miles, you are at immediate risk due to the possibility of lightning strokes coming from overhanging anvil clouds. Because of this, many lightning deaths and injuries occur with clear skies directly overhead.On average, thunder can only be heard over a distance of 3-4 miles, depending on humidity, terrain and other factors.Approximately 100,000 thunderstorms occur in the United States each year,10% of which are severe enough to produce high winds, flash floods, and tornadoes. Thunderstorms cause an average of 200 deaths and 700 injuries in the United States each year.
These facts are taken from the Automated Weather Source Online.
There are 2 general types of tornadoes. One is associated with the outflow of air from a thunderstorm. These are usually weak and short-lived, with winds less than 150 mph, lasting less than five minutes. The other type forms in the updraft area of a thunderstorm and are more intense. They form in the middle region of the storm and grow both upwards into the storm and downwards toward the ground. As the swirling column gains strength, it increases in size and extends below the bottom of the cloud , forming a funnel cloud. When the funnel cloud extends to the surface it touches down and is then called a tornado.
A Tornado Watch is announced when the National Weather Service has determined that conditions are favorable for the formation of a tornado. You should be aware of the current weather conditions in your area by staying tuned to the radio or television. A battery-powered weather radio is recommended. Be prepared to move to a safe location immediately.
A Tornado Warning means that at least one tornado has been sighted in a specific area. You should take shelter immediately! Take immediate action to protect yourself from high winds, falling or flying objects and glass from breaking windows. Don't try to watch the storm a window, sudden high winds and pressure changes can blow the window out.
Tornado Safety...
The cardinal rule for tornado safety is: get as close to the ground as you can.
Be Prepared...Take the time now to prepare for severe weather emergencies.