Thunderstorms & Lightning

All thunderstorms are dangerous. Every thunderstorm produces lightning. While lightning fatalities have decreased over the past 30 years, lightning continues to be one of the top three storm-related killers in the United States. On average in the U.S., lightning kills 51 people and injures hundreds more. Although most lightning victims survive, people struck by lightning often report a variety of long-term, debilitating symptoms.

Other associated dangers of thunderstorms include tornadoes, strong winds, hail and flash flooding. Flash flooding is responsible for more fatalities – more than 140 annually – than any other thunderstorm-associated hazard. Dry thunderstorms that do not produce rain that reaches the ground are most prevalent in the western United States. Falling raindrops evaporate, but lightning can still reach the ground and can start wildfires.

Before Thunderstorm and Lightning

To prepare for a thunderstorm, you should do the following:

·         To begin preparing, you should build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.

·         Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall and cause injury or damage during a severe thunderstorm.

·         Postpone outdoor activities.

·         Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage.

·         Get inside a home, building, or hard top automobile (not a convertible). Although you may be injured if lightning strikes your car, you are much safer inside a vehicle than outside.

·         Remember, rubber-soled shoes and rubber tires provide NO protection from lightning. However, the steel frame of a hard-topped vehicle provides increased protection if you are not touching metal.

·         Shutter windows and secure outside doors. If shutters are not available, close window blinds, shades or curtains.

·         Unplug any electronic equipment well before the storm arrives.

 

 

 

During Thunderstorms and Lightning

If thunderstorm and lightning are occurring in your area, you should:

·         Use your battery-operated NOAA Weather Radio for updates from local officials.

·         Avoid contact with corded phones and devices including those plugged into electric for recharging.  Cordless and wireless phones not connected to wall outlets are OK to use.

·         Avoid contact with electrical equipment or cords. Unplug appliances and other electrical items such as computers and turn off air conditioners. Power surges from lightning can cause serious damage.

·         Avoid contact with plumbing. Do not wash your hands, do not take a shower, do not wash dishes, and do not do laundry. Plumbing and bathroom fixtures can conduct electricity.

·         Stay away from windows and doors, and stay off porches.

·         Do not lie on concrete floors and do not lean against concrete walls.

·         Avoid natural lightning rods such as a tall, isolated tree in an open area.

·         Avoid hilltops, open fields, the beach or a boat on the water.

·         Take shelter in a sturdy building. Avoid isolated sheds or other small structures in open areas.

·         Avoid contact with anything metal—tractors, farm equipment, motorcycles, golf carts, golf clubs, and bicycles.

·         If you are driving, try to safely exit the roadway and park. Stay in the vehicle and turn on the emergency flashers until the heavy rain ends. Avoid touching metal or other surfaces that conduct electricity in and outside the ve

After a Thunderstorm or Lightning Strike

If lightning strikes you or someone you know, call 9-1-1 for medical assistance as soon as possible. The following are things you should check when you attempt to give aid to a victim of lightning:

·         Breathing - if breathing has stopped, begin mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.

·         Heartbeat - if the heart has stopped, administer CPR.

·         Pulse - if the victim has a pulse and is breathing, look for other possible injuries. Check for burns where the lightning entered and left the body. Also be alert for nervous system damage, broken bones and loss of hearing and eyesight.

After the storm passes remember to:

·         Never drive through a flooded roadway. Turn around, don’t drown!

·         Stay away from storm-damaged areas to keep from putting yourself at risk from the effects of severe thunderstorms.

·         Continue to listen to a NOAA Weather Radio or to local radio and television stations for updated information or instructions, as access to roads or some parts of the community may be blocked.

·         Help people who may require special assistance, such as infants, children and the elderly or those with access or functional needs.

·         Stay away from downed power lines and report them immediately.

·         Watch your animals closely. Keep them under your direct control.

 

Lightning Risk Reduction When Outdoors

If you are:	Then:
In a forest	Seek shelter in a low area under a thick growth of small trees.
In an open area	Go to a low place such as a ravine or valley. Be alert for flash floods.
On open water	Get to land and find shelter immediately.

 

Facts About Lightning

·       Lightning’s unpredictability increases the risk to individuals and property.

·       Lightning often strikes outside of heavy rain and may occur as far as 10 miles away from any rainfall.

·       “Heat lightning” is actually lightning from a thunderstorm too far away from thunder to be heard. However, the storm may be moving in your direction.

·       Most lightning deaths and injuries occur when people are caught outdoors in the summer months during the afternoon and evening.

·       Your chances of being struck by lightning are estimated to be 1 in 600,000 but could be reduced even further by following safety precautions.

·       Lightning strike victims carry no electrical charge and should be attended to immediately

  After a Wildfire

The following are guidelines for different circumstances in the period following a fire:

·         Go to a designated public shelter if you have been told to evacuate or you feel it is unsafe to remain in your home. Text SHELTER + your ZIP code to 43362 (4FEMA) to find the nearest shelter in your area (example: shelter 12345).

·         If you are with burn victims, or are a burn victim yourself, call 9-1-1 or seek help immediately; cool and cover burns to reduce chance of further injury or infection.

·         If you remained at home, check the roof immediately after the fire danger has passed. Put out any roof fires, sparks or embers. Check the attic for hidden burning sparks.

·         For several hours after the fire, maintain a "fire watch." Re-check for smoke and sparks throughout the house.

·         If you have evacuated, do not enter your home until fire officials say it is safe.

·         If a building inspector has placed a color-coded sign on the home, do not enter it until you get more information, advice and instructions about what the sign means and whether it is safe to enter your home.

·         If you must leave your home because a building inspector says the building is unsafe, ask someone you trust to watch the property during your absence.

·         Use caution when entering burned areas as hazards may still exist, including hot spots, which can flare up without warning.

·         If you detect heat or smoke when entering a damaged building, evacuate immediately.

·         If you have a safe or strong box, do not try to open it. It can hold intense heat for several hours. If the door is opened before the box has cooled, the contents could burst into flames.

·         Avoid damaged or fallen power lines, poles and downed wires.

·         Watch for ash pits and mark them for safety—warn family and neighbors to keep clear of the pits also.

·         Watch animals closely and keep them under your direct control. Hidden embers and hot spots could burn your pets’ paws or hooves.

·         Follow public health guidance on safe cleanup of fire ash and safe use of masks.

·         Wet debris down to minimize breathing dust particles.

·         Wear leather gloves and heavy soled shoes to protect hands and feet.

·         Cleaning products, paint, batteries and damaged fuel containers need to be disposed of properly to avoid risk.

·         Discard any food that has been exposed to heat, smoke or soot.

·         Do NOT use water that you think may be contaminated to wash dishes, brush teeth, prepare food, wash hands, make ice or make baby formula.

·         Remain calm. Pace yourself. You may find yourself in the position of taking charge of other people. Listen carefully to what people are telling you, and deal patiently with urgent situations first.

2015 National Preparedness Month September 2, 2015

During a Wildfire

If advised to evacuate, do so immediately. Take your disaster supply kit, lock your home and choose a route away from the fire hazard. Watch for changes in the speed and direction of the fire and smoke. Tell someone when you left and where you are going.

If you see a wildfire and haven't received evacuation orders yet, call 9-1-1. Don't assume that someone else has already called. Describe the location of the fire, speak slowly and clearly, and answer any questions asked by the dispatcher.

If you are not ordered to evacuate, and have time to prepare your home, FEMA recommends you take the following actions:

·         Arrange temporary housing at a friend or relative’s home outside the threatened area in case you need to evacuate.

·         Wear protective clothing when outside – sturdy shoes, cotton or woolen clothes, long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, gloves and a handkerchief to protect your face.

·         Gather fire tools such as a rake, axe, handsaw or chainsaw, bucket and shovel.

·         Close outside attic, eaves and basement vents, windows, doors, pet doors, etc. Remove flammable drapes and curtains. Close all shutters, blinds or heavy non-combustible window coverings to reduce radiant heat.

·         Close all doors inside the house to prevent draft. Open the damper on your fireplace, but close the fireplace screen.

·         Shut off any natural gas, propane or fuel oil supplies at the source.

·         Connect garden hoses to outdoor water faucet and fill any pools, hot tubs, garbage cans, tubs or other large containers with water.

·         Place lawn sprinklers on the roof and near above-ground fuel tanks. Leave sprinklers on and dowsing these structures as long as possible. Be mindful of water use restrictions for areas affected by wildfires.

·         If you have gas-powered pumps for water, make sure they are fueled and ready.

·         Place a ladder against the house in clear view.

·         Disconnect any automatic garage door openers so that doors can still be opened by hand if the power goes out. Close all garage doors.

·         Place valuable papers, mementos and anything "you can't live without" inside the car in the garage, ready for quick departure. Any pets still with you should also be put in the car.

·         Place valuables that will not be damaged by water in a pool or pond.

·         Move flammable furniture into the center of the residence away from the windows and sliding-glass doors.

·         Turn on outside lights and leave a light on in every room to make the house more visible in heavy smoke.

2015 National Preparedness Month

 

 

 Before a Wildfire

The following are things you can do to protect yourself, your family and your property in the event of a fire.

·         To begin preparing, you should build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.

·         Design and landscape your home with wildfire safety in mind. Select materials and plants that can help contain fire rather than fuel it.

·         Use fire-resistant or noncombustible materials on the roof and exterior structure of the dwelling, or treat wood or combustible material used in roofs, siding, decking or trim with fire-retardant chemicals evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL).

·         Plant fire-resistant shrubs and trees. For example, hardwood trees are less flammable than pine, evergreen, eucalyptus or fir trees.

·         Regularly clean roof and gutters.

·         Inspect chimneys at least twice a year. Clean them at least once a year. Keep the dampers in good working order. Equip chimneys and stovepipes with a spark arrester that meets the requirements of National Fire Protection Association Standard 211. (Contact your local fire department for exact specifications.)

·         Use 1/8-inch mesh screen beneath porches, decks, floor areas, and the home itself. Also, screen openings to floors, roof and attic.

·         Install a dual-sensor smoke alarm on each level of your home, especially near bedrooms; test monthly and change the batteries at least once each year.

·         Teach each family member how to use a fire extinguisher (ABC type) and show them where it's kept.

·         Keep handy household items that can be used as fire tools: a rake, axe, handsaw or chain saw, bucket and shovel.

·         Keep a ladder that will reach the roof.

·         Consider installing protective shutters or heavy fire-resistant drapes.

·         Clear items that will burn from around the house, including wood piles, lawn furniture, barbecue grills, tarp coverings, etc. Move them outside of your defensible space.

Plan Your Water Needs

·         Identify and maintain an adequate outside water source such as a small pond, cistern, well, swimming pool, or hydrant.

·         Have a garden hose that is long enough to reach any area of the home and other structures on the property.

·         Install freeze-proof exterior water outlets on at least two sides of the home and near other structures on the property. Install additional outlets at least 50 feet from the home.

·         Consider obtaining a portable gasoline powered pump in case electrical power is cut off.

Your best resource for proper planning is www.firewise.org which has outstanding information used daily by residents, property owners, fire departments, community planners, builders, public policy officials, water authorities, architects and others to assure safety from fire - it really works. Firewise workshops are offered for free all across the nation in communities large and small and free Firewise materials can be obtained easily by anyone interested