Promoting Personal Safety
 Senior Citizen Crimes
 Personal Safety and Rape
 Having a Safe Vacation
 Fire Safety
 Disaster Readiness
 All About Tornadoes
 Thunderstorm Safety
 Hurricane Safety
 Preventing Identity Theft


Thunderstorm Safety

Summer storms often bring with them dangerous lightning. Do you know the warning signs and what to do about them?

Keep an eye on the sky
Look for darkening skies, flashes of light, or increasing wind. Listen for the sound of thunder. Remember, so-called "heat lightning" can abruptly turn towards the ground. If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning. Go to safe shelter immediately. Listen to weather radio or television for the latest weather forecast.

When a storm approaches
Find shelter in a sturdy building. IF A BUILDING IS NOT NEARBY, A HARDTOP CAR IS SUITABLE. Keep car windows closed and avoid convertibles. Telephone lines and metal pipes can conduct electricity. Fences can carry deadly charges for miles. Avoid using the telephone or any electrical appliances and unplug all large appliances. Avoid taking a bath or shower, or running water for any other purpose. Turn off the air conditioner-- power surges from lightning can overload the compressor.

If caught outside:
If you are boating or swimming, get to land and find shelter immediately. If possible, go to a low-lying, open space away from trees, poles or metal objects-- NOT A PLACE THAT COULD FILL WITH FLOOD WATERS.

If someone is struck by lightning
People struck by lightning carry no electrical charge and can be handled safely. Get someone to dial 9-1-1 or your local Emergency Services. The injured person has received an electrical shock and may be burned. If breathing has stopped, begin rescue breathing. If the heart has stopped beating, a trained person should give CPR.