HOW TO BE PREPARED

• Learn the thunderstorm danger signs
  • Dark, towering or threatening clouds
  • Distant lightning and thunder

• Have disaster supplies on hand
  • Flashlight with extra batteries
  • Portable battery-operated radio and extra batteries.
  • First aid kit and manual
  • Emergency food and water
  • Non-electric can opener
  • Essential medicines
  • Cash and credit cards
  • Sturdy shoes

• Check for hazards in the yard
  • Dead or rotting trees and branches can fall during a severe thunderstorm and cause injury and damage.

• Make sure that all family members know how to respond after a thunderstorm
  • Teach family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity and water.
  • Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1-, police, fire department and which radio station to tune in for emergency information.

• Severe thunderstorm Watches and Warnings
  • A severe thunderstorm watch is issued by the National Weather Service when weather conditions are such that a severe thunderstorm (damaging winds 58 miles per hour or more, or hail three-fourths of an inch in diameter or greater) is likely to develop.  This is the time to locate a safe place in the home and tell family members to watch the sky and listen to the radio or television for more information.
  • A severe thunderstorm warning is issued when a severe thunderstorm has been sighted or indicated by weather radar.  At this point, the danger is very serious and everyone should go to a safe place, turn on a battery-operated radio or television and wait for the "all clear" by the authorities.

• Learn how to respond to a tornado and flash flood
  • Tornadoes are spawned by thunderstorms and flash flooding can occur with thunderstorms.  When a "severe thunderstorm warning" is issued, review what actions to take under a "tornado warning" or a "flash flood warning".

• Develop an emergency communication plan
  • In case family members are separated from one another during a thunderstorm (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school), have a plan for getting back together.  Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the "family contact".  After a disaster, it is often easier to call long distance.  Make sure everyone knows the name, address and phone number of the contact person.