Lightning

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Lightning
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Lightning

• 20 million cloud-to-ground lightning strikes from
  more than 100,000 thunderstorms.
• Lightning causes a significant amount of deaths,
  injuries and property damage and can happen
  anywhere in our community.

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Lightning always accompanies a thunderstorm.
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Thunder the sound of lightning

• Lightning releases energy.
• You hear thunder after lightning because of the
  different speeds at which light and sound travel.
• You can hear thunder up to 10 miles from a
  discharge of lightning.

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Lightning Hazards

• You are in danger from lightning if you can hear
  thunder.
• Other hazards include
• Hail
• Tornadoes, downbursts and straight-line winds
• Flooding and flash floods
• Power outages and fires

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Lightning Make a Plan

• Learn the thunderstorm danger signs.
• Choose a safe place in your home.
• Make a list of items to bring inside, including
  pets.

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Lightning Make a Plan

• Check often for hazards in the yard.
• Know how and when to turn off utilities,
  particularly electricity.

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Lightning Get a Kit

• Purchase a NOAA weather radio. NOAA weather
  radio is a nationwide network of radio stations
  broadcasting continuous weather information
  directly from a nearby National Weather Service
  office.
• Have flashlights and extra batteries ready for
  use.
• Store extra drinking water.

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If a Watch is Issued

• Put your plan into action.
• Lock and secure windows and close shutters.
• Secure outdoor items.
• Unplug small appliances, televisions
• Avoid bathtubs, water faucets and sinks because
  metal pipes can transmit electricity.
• Be prepared to go indoors.

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If a Warning is Issued

• If boating or swimming, get to land and find
  shelter immediately.
• If outdoors, take shelter in substantial,
  permanent, enclosed structures.

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Steps to take at home

• Stay inside, away from windows.
• Listen to a battery-powered radio for updated
  emergency information.
• Review what to do in case of a flood or tornado.
• Draw blinds and shades over windows.
• Take your family disaster supplies kit and go to
  your safe place in your home.

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Afterwards. . .

• If someone has been struck by lightning
• Call for help. Get someone to call 9-1-1 or
  your local Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
  number.
• Give first aid.
• Check for burns in two places.