Before a thunderstorm you need to learn the thunderstorm danger signs, such as :

	Dark, towering, or threatening clouds.
	Distant lightening and thunder.

 

Try to have disaster supplies on hand such as the following :

	A flashlight with extra batteries
	A portable, battery-operated radio with extra batteries
	A First Aid Kit and a Manual
	Emergency food and water
	A non-electric can opener
	Essential medicines
	Cash and credit cards
	Sturdy shoes

 

Also check for hazards in the yard, because dead or rotting trees or branches can fall during a severe thunderstorm and cause injury, damage, or death.

Try to make sure all family members know how to respond after a thunderstorm.

Teach family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity, and water. Teach your children to call 9-1-1, police, fire department, and which radio station to tune for emergency information. Ask an out-of-state relative or family member to serve as the "family contact".(after a disaster it’s often easier to make a long distance call.) Make sure everyone knows the name, address, and phone number of the "contact person".

If indoors:

	Secure outdoor objects.
	Shutter windows and brace doors.
	Listen to the radio and the television for the latest information.
	Do not handle electric equipment.
	Avoid bathtubs or anything with water.

If outdoors:

	For tornadoes try to hide in a ditch, or a low area.
	Attempt to get in to get in to a car or building.
	Or get in to an open space and squat on the ground.
	Crouch with your hands on your knees.
	Avoid tall structures.
	Avoid natural lightning rods.
	Stay away from bodies of water.

If in a car:

	Pull to the shoulder of the road.
	Stay in the car and tun on the emergency flashers.
	Avoid flooded roadways.

Here are a few tips that may save your life during one of Mother Nature's powerful storms:

    ~If a storm watch is issued in your area stay close to battery-operated radio or a television to keep track of the danger.

   ~The best places to take cover from a storm would be in basements or strong buildings. Avoid large structure such as a grocery stores or gymnasiums.

    ~If you are outside when a storm accurs do not take cover in a car. If you can't get indoors abandon your car and lie flat on the ground in a low -lying area or an open ditch.

 

Many don't understand the difference between the storm watches and storm warnings that our local weathermen give us.   Be sure to know this:

	A storm watch is where there is a chance a dangerous storm is headed your way.  If a storm watch is issued keep listening to a news station or a radio to become updated.
	If a storm warning is issued, that means that the storm had been spotted so be sure you gather as many materials as you can that are listed above.