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Thunderstorm Safety Tips
- If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning. Go to safe shelter immediately, such as a sturdy building or car. Do not take shelter in small sheds, under isolated trees, or in convertible automobiles.
- If lightning is occurring and a shelter is not available, get inside a hard top automobile and keep the windows up.
- Telephone lines and metal pipes can conduct electricity. Unplug appliances not necessary for obtaining weather information. Avoid using electrical appliances. Use phones ONLY in an emergency.
- Turn off air conditions. Power surges from lightning can overload the compressors.
- Do not take a bath or shower. Water is an electrical conductor.
If caught outdoors and no shelter is nearby…
- Find a low spot away from trees, fences and poles. Pick a place not subject to flooding.
- If you are in the woods, take shelter under short trees or bushes.
- If you feel your skin tingle or your hair stand on end, squat low to the ground on the balls of you feet. Place your hands on your knees with your head between them. Make yourself the smallest target possible and minimize your contact with the ground.
- If you are boating or swimming, get to land and find shelter immediately.
Contacts: ALLEN COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (419) 993-1405 OR ALLEN COUNTY CHAPTER, AMERICAN RED CROSS (419) 227-5121
