Prepare for Thunderstorms & Lightning

   Website
   https://www.ready.gov/thunderstorms-lightning
   U.S. Department of Homeland Security
   [[Content::Thunderstorms are common and can be dangerous. 

They can bring intense wind, flash flooding, hail and dangerous lightning.

BEFORE

Know Your Risk

• Know your area’s risk for thunderstorms.
• In most places they can occur year-round and at any hour.
• Sign up for your community’s warning system.

Strengthen Your Home

• Cut down or trim trees that may be in danger of falling on your home.
• Consider buying surge protectors, lightning rods or a lightning protection system to protect your home, appliances and electronic devices.

Make an Emergency Plan

• Create an emergency plan so that you and your family know what to do, where to go and what you will need to protect yourselves from the effects of a thunderstorm.
• Identify sturdy buildings close to where you live, work, study and play.

DURING

If you are under a thunderstorm warning:

• When thunder roars, go indoors!
• Move from outdoors into a building or car with a roof.
• Pay attention to alerts and warnings.
• Avoid using electronic devices connected to an electrical outlet.
• Avoid running water.
• Turn Around. Don’t Drown!
  • Do not drive through flooded roadways.
  • Just 15cm of fast-moving water can knock you down, and 30cm of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.

AFTER

• Pay attention to authorities and weather forecasts for information on whether it is safe to go outside and instructions regarding potential flash flooding.
• Watch for fallen power lines and trees.
  • Report them immediately.

Note: Use the translation feature of your browser]]

   Severe weather
   After, Before, During
   English

View all Crisis Communication

Created: 28 September 2023
Last edited: 23 October 2023

Type:

Website

Publishing Organisation:

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Languages

• English

Scenarios

• Severe weather

Disaster Management Phase

After, Before, During

Thunderstorms are common and can be dangerous.

They can bring intense wind, flash flooding, hail and dangerous lightning.

BEFORE

Know Your Risk

• Know your area’s risk for thunderstorms.
• In most places they can occur year-round and at any hour.
• Sign up for your community’s warning system.

Strengthen Your Home

• Cut down or trim trees that may be in danger of falling on your home.
• Consider buying surge protectors, lightning rods or a lightning protection system to protect your home, appliances and electronic devices.

Make an Emergency Plan

• Create an emergency plan so that you and your family know what to do, where to go and what you will need to protect yourselves from the effects of a thunderstorm.
• Identify sturdy buildings close to where you live, work, study and play.

DURING

If you are under a thunderstorm warning:

• When thunder roars, go indoors!
• Move from outdoors into a building or car with a roof.
• Pay attention to alerts and warnings.
• Avoid using electronic devices connected to an electrical outlet.
• Avoid running water.
• Turn Around. Don’t Drown!
  • Do not drive through flooded roadways.
  • Just 15cm of fast-moving water can knock you down, and 30cm of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.

AFTER

• Pay attention to authorities and weather forecasts for information on whether it is safe to go outside and instructions regarding potential flash flooding.
• Watch for fallen power lines and trees.
  • Report them immediately.

Note:

Use the translation feature of your browser

Source

https://www.ready.gov/thunderstorms-lightning