Keep an eye on the sky. Look for darkening skies, flashes of light, or increasing wind. Listen for the sound of thunder.
If it has been
raining hard for several hours, be alert to the possibility of a flood.
If
you can hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by
lightning. Go to safe shelter immediately.
Listen to NOAA
Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for the latest weather
forecasts.
When a Storm Approaches...
Find shelter in a
building or car. Keep car windows closed.
Telephone lines and
metal pipes can conduct electricity. Unplug appliances. Avoid using the
telephone or any electrical appliances. (Leaving electric lights on,
however, does not increase the chances of your home being struck by
lightning.)
Draw blinds and shades over windows. If windows break
due to objects blown by the wind, the shades will prevent glass from
shattering into your home.
If Caught Outside...
If you are
in the wilderness or forest area, take shelter under the shorter trees.
If
you are boating or swimming, get to land and find shelter immediately!
In
the Event of a Power Outage...
Only use a flashlight for
emergency lighting. Never use candles!
Turn off electrical
equipment you were using when the power went out.
Avoid opening
the refrigerator and freezer.
Do not run a generator inside a
home or garage.
If Someone is Struck by Lightning...
People
struck by lightning carry no electrical charge and can be handled
safely.
Call for help. Get someone to dial 9-1-1 or your local
Emergency Medical Services number.
The injured person has
received an electrical shock and may be burned, both where they were
struck and where the electricity left their body. Check for burns in
both places. Being struck by lightning can also cause nervous system
damage, broken bones, and loss of hearing or eyesight.
Give First
Aid. If breathing has stopped, a trained person should begin rescue
breathing. If the heart has stopped beating, a trained person should
give CPR. If the person has a pulse and is breathing, look and care for
other possible injuries.
Flash Floods Take Only a Few Minutes to
Develop...
A flash flood WATCH means flash flooding is possible
in your area.
A flash flood WARNING means a flash flood is
occurring or will occur very soon.
If driving through a flooded
area – DO NOT try to cross washes with water in them.
If your car
stalls in rapidly rising waters, abandon it immediately and climb to
higher ground.
When a Flood WATCH Is Issued...
Move your
furniture and valuables to higher floors of your home.
Fill your
car’s gas tank, in case an evacuation notice is issued.
Be alert
to signs of flash flooding and be ready to evacuate on a moment’s
notice.
When a Flood WARNING Is Issued...
Listen to local
radio and TV stations for information and advice. If told to evacuate,
do so as soon as possible. Or if you think it has already started,
evacuate immediately. You may have only seconds to escape. Act quickly!
Move
to higher ground away from rivers, streams, creeks, and storm drains.
Do not drive around barricades … they are there for your safety.
After
the Storm Passes...
Stay away from storm-damaged areas.
Listen
to the radio and watch TV for information and instructions.
Prepare
NOW for any type of disaster...
Build a disaster supplies kit.
Have
a family disaster plan.
Be informed and get trained in CPR and
First Aid.