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(Much of the information on this page is adapted from information provided by the American Red Cross, FEMA and the National Weather Service).
- Secure outdoor objects such as lawn furniture that
could blow away or cause damage.
- Shutter windows securely and brace outside doors.
Draw blinds and shades over windows. If windows break
due to objects blown by wind, the blinds will prevent glass
from shattering into your home.
- Listen to a battery-powered radio or television
for the latest storm information, and for instructions from
Public Safety Officials.
- DO NOT HANDLE corded telephones or electrical appliances!
AVOID bathtubs, water faucets and sinks! Telephone lines,
electrical lines and metal pipes can all conduct electricity!
- Turn off the air conditioner. Power surges from
lightning can overload the compressor, resulting in a costly
repair job.
- Stay away from bodies of water. If you are boating
or swimming, get to land immediately!
- Try to get into a building or car - but avoid convertibles.
- If no structure is available:
- Find a low spot away from trees, fences and poles.
Make sure the place you pick is not subject to flooding!
- Stay away from natural lightning rods such as
golf clubs, tractors, fishing rods, bicycles, or camping
equipment.
- If you are in the woods, find an area protected by a
LOW clump of trees. NEVER stand underneath a single
large tree in the open.
- IMPORTANT: As quickly as possible, make your body the
SMALLEST target possible and MINIMIZE your contact with
the ground:
- SQUAT VERY LOW to the ground with your HANDS ON YOUR
KNEES, only touching the ground with your feet.
- DO NOT lie down!
- Pull safely onto the shoulder of the road away from
any trees that could fall on the vehicle.
- Stay in the vehicle and turn on the emergency flashers
until heavy rains subside.
- Avoid flooded roadways. (Remember: Turn Around, Don't Drown!)
- The rubber tires will NOT protect your car from being
struck by lightning. However, the steel frame of a hard-topped
vehicle will provide increased protection if you are NOT
touching metal in the car. You are much safer inside
a vehicle than outside.
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