Thunderstorms

Every thunderstorm produces lightning, which means every thunderstorm is dangerous. Because lightning is so unpredictable and can occur as far as 10 miles away from any rainfall, being prepared and knowing what to do in a thunderstorm will decrease your risk of being injured. Most lightning deaths and injuries occur when people are caught outdoors in the summer months during the afternoon and evening, so be particularly cautious of lightning at that time of year. If you see lighting you should seek shelter. Other dangers associated with thunderstorms include tornadoes, strong winds, hail and flash flooding, which is responsible for more fatalities than any other thunderstorm-associated hazard.

Take Action Before Thunderstorms

You can find detailed information on your local TV and radio stations, the National Weather Services, your local government's emergency management website and social media sites like NOAA's Twitter and Facebook.

Steps to Be Ready

1. Complete the Family Emergency Plan  and discuss it as a family. This is a simple way of keeping each member of the family informed on critical information: where to reconnect should you become separated, who to call, and what you will do should a thunderstorm occur.
2. Complete the Emergency Contacts Card  and place one in your Emergency Kit.
3. Prepare an Emergency Kit. The Emergency Kit should be easily accessible should you and your family be forced to shelter in place (stay at home) for a period of time.

Take Action in Your Home

• Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall and cause injury or damage during a severe thunderstorm.
• Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage.
• Shutter windows and secure outside doors. If shutters are not available, close window blinds, shades or curtains.
• If a thunderstorm is likely in your area, postpone outdoor activities.

Be Safe During a Thunderstorm

• Get inside a home, building, or hard top automobile (not a convertible). Do not touch anything metal. Although you may be injured if lightning strikes your car, you are much safer inside a vehicle than outside.
• Remember, rubber-soled shoes and rubber tires provide NO protection from lightning. However, the steel frame of a hard-topped vehicle provides increased protection if you are not touching metal.
• Avoid showering or bathing. Plumbing and bathroom fixtures can conduct electricity.
• Use a corded telephone only for emergencies. Cordless and cellular telephones are safe to use.
• Unplug appliances and other electrical items such as computers and turn off air conditioners. Power surges from lightning can cause serious damage.

Be Safe Outdoors

• If you are outside during a thunderstorm, avoid:
  • Natural lightning rods such as a tall, isolated tree in an open area.
  • Hilltops, open fields, the beach or a boat on the water.
  • Isolated sheds or other small structures in open areas.
  • Anything metal, such as tractors, farm equipment, motorcycles, golf carts, golf clubs and bicycles.
• In a forest, seek shelter in a low area under a thick growth of small trees. Avoid the tallest trees.
• In an open area, go to a low place like a ravine or valley, but watch for flooding.
• On open water, get to land and find shelter immediately.
• If you feel your hair stand on end, a lightning strike is about to happen:
  • Squat low but do not lie down.
  • Place your hands over your ears and head between your knees.
  • Make yourself the smallest possible target.

Take Action After a Thunderstorm

After a thunderstorm, assess your immediate environment for any hazards that may be present. Report fallen trees, flooded streets, or damaged public utilities to the proper department and stay tuned to local weather stations for updated information.