Storm Safety

When a storm hits, it's crucial to take safety precautions to protect yourself and those close to you. Strong winds, heavy rain, and lightning strikes can all pose serious risks, so it's important to be well-informed and prepared on how to stay safe during a storm. Below are some tips and guidelines to help you and your loved ones stay safe during stormy weather.

Lightning Storms: When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!

• To plan for a safe day, check the weather forecast first. If thunderstorms are forecast, avoid being outdoors at that time or make an alternate plan. Identify safe places and determine how long it will take you to reach them.
• If you can hear thunder, you are in danger of being hit by lightning. More people are struck by lightning before a storm arrives or after it departs than during the storm itself.
• When you hear thunder, take shelter immediately. If you cannot find a sturdy, fully enclosed building with wiring and plumbing, get into a metal-roofed vehicle and remain sheltered until 30 minutes after the last thunder.
• Do not handle electrical equipment, telephones or plumbing during a thunderstorm. These are all electrical conductors. Using a computer or wired video game system, taking a bath or touching a metal window frame all put you at risk of being struck by lightning. Use battery operated appliances only.

More people are struck by lightning before a storm arrives or after it departs than during the storm itself. Sheds, picnic shelters, tents or covered porches DO NOT protect you from lightning. Take shelter in a fully enclosed building with wiring and plumbing or a metal-roofed vehicle.