It is important to know that every thunderstorm has lightning, and strong thunderstorms can bring heavy rain, high winds, hail and possibly tornadoes.
Every year people are seriously injured, or sometimes even killed, by severe thunderstorms despite advanced warning. If you hear or see a warning, pay attention to it.
If you can see cloud-to-ground lightning or hear thunder, you are in danger of being struck by lightning, and no place outside is safe. Remember when thunder roars, go indoors!
Before a thunderstorm arrives:
- Learn the signs of an approaching thunderstorm: dark clouds, lightning and thunder.
- Get informed from the weather radio or television news station.
- If you know a thunderstorm is coming, then stay indoors.
- Have emergency survival kit on hand that includes flashlights, battery operated weather radio, first aid kit, essential medicines, food and water.
During a thunderstorm:
- Stay inside and sheltered, clear of windows, doors and skylights.
- If you are outside when the storm arrives, then go inside or into a vehicle.
- If caught outside, move away from things that can attract lightning such as trees, fences or utility lines.
- If you are in the water, such as a pool or lake, get out immediately and get inside a sturdy building.
- If no structures to seek shelter in are around, go to a low lying, open area away from trees and poles. Place your hands on your knees with your head between them. And make yourself as small as possible.
After a thunderstorm:
- Wait indoors for at least 30 minutes after the storm has passed.
- Check for any damage or injuries.
- Help neighbors if needed.
- Avoid storm damaged areas.
