STORM SAFETY

Outdoor Safety Tips

You are in a strike zone if you hear thunder five seconds or less after you see lightning!

• Avoid open areas and high points of land
• Don't stand near trees or poles
• Stay at least 7 feet away from tall objects.  Lightning tends to strike the highest objects.
• Avoid metal objects such as golf clubs and lawn mowers.
• If you're surrounded by water, get to dry land immediately.
• Get to the lowest point of the ground as you can.  Kneel or squat to minimize your contact points with the ground.  However, do not lie flat.  This will make you a bigger target.
• Avoid huddling with others.  Spread out at least 15 feet apart from one another. 

Downed Power Lines

It is recommended that you stay at least 100 feet away from drowned power lines.  If a power line falls on your car while you're in it, avoid touching anything metal and stay inside until professional help arrives.  Never try to help someone who is trapped by a power line.  You could endanger his/her safety, as well as your own.  Instead, seek professional help by calling 911.

Indoor Safety Tips

• Tree limbs and other wind-borne objects can be a hazard during strong winds so stay away from windows.
• Electrical wiring tends to attract lightening so avoid using telephonse unless it is an emergency.
• Because lightening is attracted to metal and water, it can move through a home's plumbing. Avoid using sinks and showers.
• Disconnect all computers, televisions, and other delicate electronic equipment. Consider attaching surge protectors to these types of equipment.

Driving Safety

Driving in rain can be very dangerous.  Rain reduces traction and causes tires to hydroplane. During rainy conditions, you should slow your speed accordingly. Water on roads may be deeper than it looks. It is necessary to watch for vehicles travelling too fast because they can throw up blinding sheets of water. Also, pay attention to hazard signs and roadblocks. Ignoring them can threaten lives and property, which can result in enforcement action by police.

Control of a vehicle is lost in 6 inches of water, and most vehicles will begin to float in 2 feet of water. Avoid crossing rain-swollen washes or you can be caught in a flash flood that can sweep away your vehicle and its contents. If you are stuck in a wash, here's what you can do:

• If you have a phone, call 911.
• If you can, climb onto the roof of the vehicle and wait to be rescued.
• If the water is still low and you can wade to safety, do so. However, beware of floating debris.