   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

Prepare for Thunderstorms & Lightning

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