Severe thunderstorms can normally be seen and heard approaching, but it may be that you are indoors, or not paying attention at the time, and you may be caught by surprise. Because of the inherent dangers associated with thunderstorms, it is important for everyone to learn to recognize the danger signs associated with these events and to plan for them in advance.

Before the storm:

• Try to be aware of the weather on a daily basis. If a severe thunderstorm watch is issued, look outdoors from time to time for signs of building storms. Listen to the radio or television for weather updates. Your best defense is an awareness of potential danger.
• Learn the thunderstorm danger signs:
  • Dark, towering, or threatening clouds
  • Distant thunder and lightning
• Secure outdoor objects such as lawn furniture that could blow away or cause damage or injury. Take light objects inside. Close windows and doors and brace them if possible.
• When a severe thunderstorm warning is issued, it means that thunderstorms with large hail, dangerous lightning, and/or strong winds are occurring right then in the area covered by the warning. If a storm is nearby, DO NOT go outside. Next to flash floods, lightning is the second greatest storm-related killer.
• If you are in an automobile and you hear a severe thunderstorm warning in your area, try to get the vehicle into a garage, or under some form of protection such as an overpass on a highway. If extreme hail (3 inches in diameter or greater) is falling, DO NOT go outside! Large hail can cause serious injury and has even been known to kill people. If you find yourself trapped in your vehicle during a period of dangerous hail, pull safely onto the shoulder of the road. Beware of parking under large trees to protect your vehicle from the hail. It is very common during severe storms for trees to lose their branches, and you do not want to be parked under a tree when that happens. Get down on the floor of your car and wait out the storm. Hailstorms generally last only a few minutes.
• Drive only if necessary. Debris and washed-out roads may make driving dangerous, and heavy rain and hail restrict visibility.
• Avoid flooded roadways.

During the storm:

• Do not handle any electrical equipment or telephones because lightning could follow the wire. Television sets are particularly dangerous during thunderstorms.
• Avoid bathtubs, water faucets, and sinks because metal pipes can transmit electricity.
• Listen to a battery powered radio or television for the latest storm information.

• Get into a building, or some form of protection. Even an automobile is better than being caught in the open. (However, if there is a tornado involved in the storm, it is best to get out of your vehicle and take shelter elsewhere as outlined in the tornado survival section.)
• If no structure is available, get to an open space and squat low to the ground with your hands on your knees as quickly as possible. The idea is to make yourself as low to the ground as possible while maintaining the smallest possible area in contact with the ground. So squat down, do not lay down. If you are in a wooded area, find an area protected by a low clump of trees and take shelter there. Never stand underneath a single, large tree in an open area. Be aware of the possibility of flash flooding in low-lying areas.
• Stay away from natural lightning rods such as golf clubs, tractors, fishing rods, bicycles, or camping equipment.
• Stay away from rivers, lakes, or other bodies of water. If you are in a boat and you see a storm approaching, get off of the water as soon as possible and take cover as outlined. Don't wait until the storm is right on top of you before you react. Always keep an eye on the sky during outdoor activities so you can avoid these dangerous situations.
• If you are in a level field or other open, exposed area and you feel your hair stand on end (which indicates that lightning is about to strike), squat down as described above immediately. Drop any metallic objects you may be carrying.
• In a hailstorm, pets and livestock are particularly vulnerable, so bring animals into a shelter whenever possible. If you leave your pets outside while you are away, make sure you have a shelter such as a sturdy dog house available for them. Avoid placing it in a low-lying area of your yard.

After the storm:

• Check for injuries. A person who has been struck by lightning does NOT carry an electrical charge that shocks other people. If a person has been struck, provide first aid and call 9-1-1 for help right away. Look for burns where the lightning entered the body, and where it exited. If the victim stops breathing or their heart stops beating, begin rescue breathing or CPR as indicated. Continue this emergency care until you are relieved by medical personnel such as paramedics.
• Report any major damage to authorities, particularly downed power lines. Do not go near downed power lines. They may still be live.

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