How to Stay Safe in a Thunderstorm

Do you know how to stay safe in a thunderstorm? Appropriate safety measures can make the difference between protection and serious injury during a storm. Mother Nature plays by her own rules, and she's been known to cheat on occasion. Be ready.

Instructions

• 1

  Avoid projectiles. Severe thunderstorms can generate large hailstones. They also produce high winds, capable of hurling lawn furniture and yard toys at great speed. If you have time before the storm hits, quickly put away any items capable of causing damage or blowing away.

• 2

  Refrain from driving. Unexpected changes occur during thunderstorms. Sudden and severe rain and lightning can impair your ability to drive. In some areas, heavy rain can cause flooding that completely washes out the roadway. Lightning flashes cause temporary blindness. You must not drive during a thunderstorm except for grave emergencies.

• 3

  Find shelter. You are not safe out in the open. Inside your home is best, but a parked car can also provide some protection. Stay away from tall trees, metal bridges, and bodies of water. If you're unable to get to shelter, get away from trees and telephone poles. Remove all metal objects from your person and crouch into a ball, hands protecting your head. Don't lie flat on the ground. You must become the smallest target possible.

• 4

  Turn off appliances. Electricity attracts electricity. Practice thunderstorm safety by unplugging all electronics and appliances, including land line phones. This not only lessens the likelihood of a lightning strike, but also protects your belongings from the power surge should the power go off and back on.

• 5

  Stay away from water sources. Avoid swimming pools, lakes and running water inside the home. Water is an excellent conductor of electricity.