How to Identify a Thunderstorm
- Warm, humid conditions are highly favorable for thunderstorm development
- Severe Thunderstorm Watch: Gives information about when and where severe thunderstorms are likely to occur
- Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Severe weather has been reported by spotters or indicated by radar; imminent danger to life and property of those in the path of the storm
How to Prepare for a Thunderstorm
- See Get A Kit and Make A Plan for general information
- Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall
- Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage
- If a thunderstorm is likely in your area:
- Postpone outdoor activities
- Get inside a home, building, or hard top automobile
- Shutter windows and secure outside doors
- Avoid showering or bathing
- Unplug appliances and other electrical items such as computers and turn off air conditioners
How to Respond to a Thunderstorm
- Avoid the following:
- Natural lightning rods such as a tall, isolated tree in an open area
- Hilltops, open fields, the beach, or a boat on the water
- Isolated sheds or other small structures in open areas
- Anything metal (tractors, farm equipment, motorcycles, golf carts, golf clubs, and bicycles)
- If you are in a forest, seek shelter in a low area under a thick growth of small trees
- If you are in an open area, go to a low place such as a ravine or valley
- If you are on open water, get to land and find shelter immediately
- If you feel your hair stand on end, the air around you is electrically charged and lightning is about to strike
- Squat low to the ground on the balls of your feet
- Place your hands over your ears and your head between your knees
- Make yourself the smallest target possible and minimize your contact to the ground
- Do not lie flat on the ground