SAFETY RULES TO SURVIVE THE WEATHER

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH:

Tells you when and where severe thunderstorms are more likely to occur. Watch the sky and stay tuned to know when warnings are issued. Watches are intended to heighten public awareness and should not be confused with warnings.

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING:

Issued when severe weather has been reported by spotters or indicated by radar. Warnings indicate imminent danger to life and property to those in the path of the storm.

• Check the weather forecast before leaving for extended periods outdoors.
• Watch for signs of approaching storms.
• If a storm is approaching, keep a NOAA Weather Radio or AM/FM radio with you.
• Postpone outdoor activities if thunderstorms are imminent. This is your best way to avoid being caught in a dangerous situation.
• Check on those who have trouble taking shelter if severe weather threatens.

• Move to a sturdy building or car. Do not take shelter in small sheds under isolated trees or in convertible automobiles.
• If lightning is occurring and a sturdy shelter is not available, get inside a hard top automobile and keep windows up.
• Get out of boats and away from water.
• Telephone lines and metal pipes can conduct electricity. Unplug appliances not necessary for obtaining weather information.
• Avoid using the telephone or any electrical appliances. Use phones ONLY in an emergency.
• Do not take a bath or shower.
• Turn off air conditioners. Power surges from lightning can overload the compressors.
• Get to higher ground if flash flooding or flooding is possible. Once flooding begins, abandon cars and climb to higher ground. Do not attempt to drive to safety. Note: Most flash flood deaths occur in automobiles.

• Find a low spot away from trees, fences, and poles. Make sure the place you pick is not subject to flooding.
• If you are in the woods, take shelter under the shorter trees.
• If you feel your skin tingle or your hair stand on end, squat low to the ground on the balls of your feet. Place your hands on your knees with your head between them. Make yourself the smallest target possible, and minimize your contact with the ground.
• If you are boating or swimming, get to land and find shelter immediately!

Thunderstorms, Tornadoes, Lightning Preparedness Guide: This preparedness guide from the National Weather Service explains thunderstorms and related hazards and suggests life-saving actions you can take. With this information, you can recognize severe weather, develop a plan, and be ready to act when threatening weather approaches. Remember...your safety is up to you. Click on the image to view or download the preparedness guide.

• STAY INFORMED ABOUT THE STORM by listening to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, and television for the latest severe thunderstorm WATCHES and WARNINGS.
• When conditions are favorable for severe weather to develop, a severe thunderstorm WATCH is issued.
• Weather Service personnel use information from weather radar, satellite, lightning detection, spotters, and other sources to issue severe thunderstorm WARNINGS for areas where severe weather is imminent.
• Severe thunderstorm warnings are passed to local radio and television stations and are broadcast over local NOAA Weather Radio stations serving the warned areas. These warnings are also relayed to local emergency management and public safety officials who can activate local warning systems to alert communities.
• The National Weather Service continuously broadcasts updated weather warnings and forecasts that can be received by NOAA Weather Radios, which are sold in many stores. The average range is 40 miles, depending on topography. The National Weather Service recommends purchasing a radio that has both a battery backup and a tone-alert feature that automatically alerts you when a watch or warning is issued.

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