Thunderstorms

State-wide, Florida averages 10-13 deaths per year (2001)

Are You Ready

for a Thunderstorm?

• Keep an eye on the sky.  Look for darkening skies, flashes of light, or increasing wind.  Listen for the sound of thunder.
• If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning.  Go to a safe shelter immediately.
• Listen to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for the latest weather forecasts.

• Find shelter in a building or car.  Keep car windows closed and avoid convertibles.
• Telephone lines and metal pipes can conduct electricity.  Unplug appliances.  Avoid using the telephone or any electrical 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, resulting in a costly repair job?
• 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.

• Take shelter under the shorter trees, if you are in the woods.
• Get to land and find shelter immediately, if you are boating or swimming!

• Go to a low-lying, open place away from trees, poles, or metal objects.
• Make sure the place you pick is not subject to flooding.

• Squat low to the ground.  Place your hands on your knees with your head between them.  Make yourself the smallest target possible.
• Do not lie flat on the ground―this will make you a larger target!

• Stay away from storm-damaged areas.
• Listen to the radio for information and instructions.

• People struck by lightning carry no electrical charge and can be handled safely.
• Call for help.  Get someone to dial 9-1-1 on your local Emergency Medical Services (EMS) 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.
• Give first aid.  If breathing has stopped, begin rescue breathing.  If the heart has stopped beating, a trained person should give CPR.

• Take a Red Cross first aid and CPR course.  Call your local Red Cross chapter for class schedules and fees.