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Have a Disaster Plan for Your Family

• Plan ahead in case disaster strikes and teach your children the plan and how to stay safe if severe weather strikes.
• Have a plan for getting back together in case family members are separated from one another during bad weather.
• Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the "family contact". Make certain all family members know the name, address, and phone number of the contact person. (After a disaster it is often easier to call long distance.)

During a Thunderstorm

If Indoors

• First, check the outside area of your property. Secure outdoor objects such as lawn furniture that could blow away or cause damage or injury. Take light objects inside.
• Shutter windows securely and brace outside doors.
• Listen to battery operated radio or television for the latest storm information.
• Do not handle electrical equipment. Avoid telephones. Television sets are particularly dangerous at this time.
• Avoid bathtubs, showers, water faucets, and sinks because metal pipes can conduct electricity.

If Outdoors

• Attempt to get into a building or car.
• If no structure is available, get to an open space and squat low to the ground as quickly as possible. If you are in the woods, find an area protected by a low group of trees. NEVER stand beneath a single large tree in the open! Be aware of the potential for flooding in low-lying areas.
• Avoid tall structures such as towers, tall trees, fences, telephone poles or power lines.
• Stay away from natural lightening rods such as golf clubs, tractors, fishing rods, bicycles or camping equipment (tent poles for instance).
• Stay away from rivers, lakes or other bodies of water.
• If you are isolated in a level field and you feel your hair stand on end this is an indication that lightning is about to strike, drop to your knees and bend forward, putting your hands on your knees. DO NOT lie flat on the ground.

If in a Car 

• Pull safely onto the shoulder of the road away from any trees or pole that could fall on the vehicle.
• Stay in the car and turn on the emergency flashers until heavy rains subside.
• Avoid flooded roadways. DO NOT attempt to drive through roads that are under water.

After a Thunderstorm

Check for Injuries

• A person who has been struck by lightning does not carry an electrical charge that can shock other people. 
• If the victim is burned, provide first aid and immediately call for emergency medical assistance (911). Look for burns where lightning entered and exited the body. 
• If the strike causes the victim's heart and/or breathing to stop, administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) until professional medical help arrives and takes over.

Lend Assistance

• Help your neighbors who may require special assistance such as elderly people, infants and people with disabilities.
• Report downed utility wires and other dangerous conditions resulting from the storm.

Tornado Watches

A "Tornado Watch" indicates that weather conditions may cause tornadoes to develop in an area.

• A "Tornado Watch" does not mean that a tornado has been sighted.
• The watch may cover time periods of up to 8 hours.
• People within the area should be prepared for possible tornadoes but need not seek shelter or disrupt their normal routine.
• During a "Tornado Watch" you should tune in to a radio or television to stay informed and alert of any threatening weather conditions.

Tornado Warnings

A "Tornado Warning" is issued by local weather bureau offices when a tornado funnel has actually been sighted or indicated by radar.

• A "Tornado Warning" covers a short period of time and specific small areas.

• The warning will indicate where the tornado was detected and the area through which it is expected to move.

• A "Tornado Warning" means that persons in the expected path of the storm should take shelter immediately.

During a Tornado

If at Work

• In office buildings, go to an interior hallway on a lower floor, preferably in the basement or designated shelter area.

• In factories, go to a section of the plant offering the greatest protection. Under stairways or other structurally strong location is best.

• Avoid open areas with large, free-span roofs.

• An Individual should be assigned responsibility for disconnecting fuel lines and electric circuits.

• Keep a lookout posted.

If at Home

• Go to a storm cellar, underground excavation, or the southwest corner of the basement.

• If you have no basement, choose an inside wall away from windows and lie flat against it. Central halls, bathrooms, and closets are good places.

• Get under sturdy furniture, if possible, to protect yourself from flying glass and debris.

• Stay away from windows!

• Use a battery powered radio to listen for the latest weather and storm information.

If in a Mobile Home
(Trailer or doublewide)

• Do not wait until the last minute to react when a tornado warning has been issued.

• Quickly go to the nearest community shelter, other sturdy building or storm cellar if possible.

• Mobile homes should be secured to the ground. They are especially dangerous during high winds and may be overturned.

If at School

• Go to the designated shelter area. If no shelter area exists go to an interior hallway on the lowest floor.

• Avoid gymnasiums, auditoriums and other areas with large, free-span roofs.

Flash Flood Safety Tips

Before a Flood

• Electrical panel boxes, water heaters, washers, dryers and other appliances should be elevated or relocated to a location less likely to be flooded.

• Move essential items and furniture to the upper floors of the house or to a location less likely to be flooded.

• Keep materials like sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting and lumber handy for emergency waterproofing.

• Keep important documents and medicines in a bag or container that you can quickly take with you in the event that you must evacuate.

• Take pets and animals to high ground or, at the very least, release them. Animals in cages, pens, stables, barns or on leashes have a much smaller chance of survival than if left free to fend for themselves.

Before, During and After a Flash Flood

• Do not walk through flowing water.

• Do not drive through a flooded area.

• Look out for animals, especially snakes.

• Stay away from power and electrical lines.

• Have electricity turned off.

• Be alert for gas leaks. Use a flashlight to inspect for damage.