• About one hundred people die from lightning strikes every year (250 are hit but survive), so try to be careful. To avoid being struck by lightning:
• Find shelter in a building or roofed car, closing the windows. Get away from bicycles and open vehicles.
• If you are in the woods, hide under short trees.
• If you are in the water, swimming or boating, get to shore and find shelter on land.
• If caught in an open space during a storm, stay away from high ridges, open meadows, wire fences, wet beaches, rails, solitary tall trees, and telephone poles.
• If you feel electricity or your hair stands on end, crouch down and curl into a ball, with your hands off the ground with only your feet touching the floor. The ground can carry electric charge, so don’t lie down. Keep listening to weather news and information.
• Contain pets and animals, placing them in shelters, on leashes, or in carriers.
• Try not to use electricity, phone lines, and metal pipes:
• Don’t use the telephone.
• Unplug electrical appliances.
• Use a battery-powered radio to get news, not the TV or other outlet-based appliance.
• Do not use your faucet or shower.
• Shut off the air conditioning.
• Close curtains and blinds to avoid breaking window glass. Strong winds could blow debris into glass, causing shards to fly inside.

After

• Check for injuries and help with the wounded if necessary and possible.
• If needed, call 911 for emergency aid.
• Help victims of lightning strikes (it is okay to touch them). First check for burns at the points of lightning entry and exit and treat them as necessary. If there is no heartbeat, perform CPR. Use mouth-to-mouth if the patient is not breathing. Only perform these techniques if you are trained.
• Listen for updates on emergency centers and animal holding shelters.
• Comfort and contain animals. Be cautious when handling them.
• Repair collapsed chimneys, fences, and broken windows.
• Report any water main breaks, fallen power lines, or sewer damage to the right authorities.
• If you are away from home, listen to road conditions before returning.
• Be cautious when driving. Try to drive after the storm has abated.

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• About one hundred people die from lightning strikes every year (250 are hit but survive), so try to be careful. To avoid being struck by lightning:
• Find shelter in a building or roofed car, closing the windows. Get away from bicycles and open vehicles.
• If you are in the woods, hide under short trees.
• If you are in the water, swimming or boating, get to shore and find shelter on land.
• If caught in an open space during a storm, stay away from high ridges, open meadows, wire fences, wet beaches, rails, solitary tall trees, and telephone poles.
• If you feel electricity or your hair stands on end, crouch down and curl into a ball, with your hands off the ground with only your feet touching the floor. The ground can carry electric charge, so don’t lie down. Keep listening to weather news and information.
• Contain pets and animals, placing them in shelters, on leashes, or in carriers.
• Try not to use electricity, phone lines, and metal pipes:
• Don’t use the telephone.
• Unplug electrical appliances.
• Use a battery-powered radio to get news, not the TV or other outlet-based appliance.
• Do not use your faucet or shower.
• Shut off the air conditioning.
• Close curtains and blinds to avoid breaking window glass. Strong winds could blow debris into glass, causing shards to fly inside.

After

• Check for injuries and help with the wounded if necessary and possible.
• If needed, call 911 for emergency aid.
• Help victims of lightning strikes (it is okay to touch them). First check for burns at the points of lightning entry and exit and treat them as necessary. If there is no heartbeat, perform CPR. Use mouth-to-mouth if the patient is not breathing. Only perform these techniques if you are trained.
• Listen for updates on emergency centers and animal holding shelters.
• Comfort and contain animals. Be cautious when handling them.
• Repair collapsed chimneys, fences, and broken windows.
• Report any water main breaks, fallen power lines, or sewer damage to the right authorities.
• If you are away from home, listen to road conditions before returning.
• Be cautious when driving. Try to drive after the storm has abated.

[ back to graphics version ]