Thunderstorm Safety Tips
7/28/2014 3:00:00 PM - Fire Dept. (TFD)

With the Thunderstorm season in full swing we thought we would share some safety tips with you this summer.  Be safe and enjoy!

THUNDERSTORM SAFETY

Provided by Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe Safety DepartmentThunderstorms affect relatively small areas. Typically they are 15 miles in diameter and last an average of 30 minutes. All storms are dangerous and produce lightning, which kills more people per year than tornadoes. 

Thunderstorms can also cause:

• Flash Flooding

• Strong Winds

• Hail

• TornadoesTornadoes:

• Winds can exceed over 200mph

• Average of 80 deaths and 1,500 injuries each year

THUNDERSTORM SAFETY

• Move to a sturdy building, do not take shelter in sheds or under

 isolated trees.

• Phone lines & metal pipes can conduct electricity, unplug  appliances that are not necessary for weather information and only use the phone for an emergency.

• Do Not take a bath or shower.

• Turn off the air conditioning. Power surges from lightning can overload the compressor.

• Get to higher ground if flash flooding / flooding is occurring.

• Once flooding begins, abandon cars and climb to higher ground. If flooding is a factor in your area Do Not attempt to drive to safety, remember most flash flood deaths occur in cars.

THUNDERSTORM SAFETY

• If outdoors find a low spot away from trees, fences, and poles. Make sure the place you choose isn’t subject to flooding.

• If you’re 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 & minimize your contact with the  ground.

• When boating or swimming go to land and find shelter immediately.

Provided by SCIT Safety Department