Thunderstorm safety: How to weather a severe storm

Thunderstorms are common across the globe and at times can even cause dangerous winds, hail and lightning. Fortunately, there are several ways you can prepare to keep yourself, loved ones and home protected before severe weather strikes.

What to know about severe thunderstorms

Each year, the United States experiences over 100,000 thunderstorms. And while the most severe threat extends from Minnesota to Texas, every state can be at risk with hardly any warning.

So no matter where you live, or what season, make sure to stay informed and follow the tips below to remain safe and minimize damage.

What to do before a severe thunderstorm

One of the best forms of defense against storms or lightning is awareness. Stay informed and monitor your local weather forecast ahead of time, especially if you have plans to travel or meet up with others. Tune in to determine the severity level and pay attention to advisories. These alerts will vary, so it’s important to familiarize yourself with some definitions:

• Severe thunderstorm watch—This means you need to be prepared! Severe thunderstorms are highly possible in the area, so people should keep an eye on the sky and follow alerts from local broadcasts.
• Severe thunderstorm warning—This is when you should take action! Either a reliable source or the radar has officially detected a severe storm. A warning is issued for a smaller area including one or two counties.
• Flash flood—These occur rapidly and can sometimes catch people off-guard. It means there is an excessive amount of rainfall in a short amount of time, typically less than six hours.

Thunderstorm safety tips if you’re indoors

Being indoors does not automatically protect you from lightning. Here are some tips to keep you safe and reduce your risk of being struck by lightning while indoors.

• Lightning can travel through plumbing, so it’s important to stay away from water during a thunderstorm. Do NOT bathe, shower, wash dishes, or come into any other contact with water.
• Avoid using electronic equipment of all types, including electrical systems and radio and television reception systems. Instead, use battery-operated devices such as flashlights.
• Avoid using corded phones. Corded phones are NOT safe to use during a thunderstorm. However, cordless or cellular phones are safe to use during a storm.
• Never lie on concrete floors or lean on concrete walls as lightning can travel through any metal wires or bars.
• Stay away from windows, skylights and doors.
• Unplug electronic appliances, stereo equipment and laptops/computers. Consider turning off circuit breakers as well to avoid power surges.
• Make sure your pets are inside your home or garage.
• Monitor local news or NOAA Weather radio on a mobile device.

Thunderstorm safety tips if you are outdoors

• Take shelter as soon as possible when you see dark clouds or lightning or hear thunder.
• If you are caught in an area without shelter, avoid lying flat on the ground. Crouch down in a ball-like position with your head tucked and hands over your ears while minimizing contact with the ground.
• Stay away from elevated areas such as hills or peaks and never shelter under an isolated tree.
• Get off bicycles, motorcycles, scooters or other small vehicles.
• If you’re in the water when the storm is approaching, head for shore immediately and avoid metal objects. Water and metal can both carry an electrical current.
• If you’re in a group of people, spread out.