<p>All thunderstorms are dangerous. Every
thunderstorm produces lightning. In the United States, an average of
300 people are injured and 80 people are killed each year by lightning.
Although most lightning victims survive, people struck by lightning
often report a variety of long-term, debilitating symptoms. Other associated
dangers of thunderstorms include tornadoes, strong winds, hail, and
flash flooding. Flash flooding is responsible for more fatalities—more
than 140 annually—than any other thunderstorm-associated hazard.</p><p><a name="0.8_01000001"></a><strong>Facts About Thunderstorms</strong></p><ul><li>They may occur singly, in
clusters, or in lines.</li><li>Some of the most severe occur
when a single thunderstorm affects one location for an extended time.</li><li>Thunderstorms typically produce
heavy rain for a brief period, anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour.</li><li>Warm, humid conditions are
highly favorable for thunderstorm development.</li><li>About 10 percent of thunderstorms
are classified as severe—one that produces hail at least three-quarters
of an inch in diameter, has winds of 58 miles per hour or higher, or
produces a tornado. </li></ul><p><a name="0.8_01000002"></a><strong>Facts About Lightning</strong></p><ul><li>Lightning’s unpredictability
increases the risk to individuals and property.</li><li>Lightning often strikes outside
of heavy rain and may occur as far as 10 miles away from any rainfall.</li><li>"Heat lightning"
is actually lightning from a thunderstorm too far away for thunder to
be heard. However, the storm may be moving in your direction!</li><li>Most lightning deaths and
injuries occur when people are caught outdoors in the summer months
during the afternoon and evening.</li><li>Your chances of being struck
by lightning are estimated to be 1 in 600,000, but could be reduced
even further by following safety precautions.</li><li>Lightning strike victims carry
no electrical charge and should be attended to immediately. </li></ul><a name="0.8_01000003"></a><h1><strong>Know Your Thunderstorms and Lightning
Terms</strong></h1><p>Familiarize yourself with these terms
to help identify an thunderstorm hazard:</p><p><strong>Severe Thunderstorm Watch</strong> <br />
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch tells you when and where severe thunderstorms
are likely to occur. Watch the sky and stay tuned to <a href="http://www.weather.gov/nwr/">NOAA Weather Radio</a>,
commercial radio, or television for information.</p><p><strong>Severe Thunderstorm Warning</strong> <br />
A Severe Thunderstorm Warning is issued when severe weather has been
reported by spotters or indicated by radar. Warnings indicate imminent
danger to life and property to those in the path of the storm.</p><p><strong>What to Do Before a Thunderstorm</strong></p><p><strong>To prepare for a thunderstorm, you
should do the following:</strong></p><ul><li>Remove dead or rotting trees
and branches that could fall and cause injury or damage during a severe
thunderstorm.</li><li>Remember the 30/30 lightning
safety rule: Go indoors if, after seeing lightning, you cannot count
to 30 before hearing thunder. Stay indoors for 30 minutes after hearing
the last clap of thunder. </li></ul><p><strong>The following are guidelines for what
you should do if a thunderstorm is likely in your area:</strong></p><ul><li>Postpone outdoor activities.</li><li>Get inside a home, building,
or hard top automobile (not a convertible). Although you may be injured
if lightning strikes your car, you are much safer inside a vehicle than
outside.</li><li>Remember, rubber-soled shoes
and rubber tires provide NO protection from lightning. However, the
steel frame of a hard-topped vehicle provides increased protection if
you are not touching metal.</li><li>Secure outdoor objects that
could blow away or cause damage.</li><li>Shutter windows and secure
outside doors. If shutters are not available, close window blinds, shades,
or curtains.</li><li>Avoid showering or bathing.
Plumbing and bathroom fixtures can conduct electricity.</li><li>Use a corded telephone only
for emergencies. Cordless and cellular telephones are safe to use.</li><li>Unplug appliances and other
electrical items such as computers and turn off air conditioners. Power
surges from lightning can cause serious damage.</li><li>Use your battery-operated
NOAA Weather Radio for updates from local officials. </li></ul><p><strong>Avoid the following:</strong></p><ul><li>Natural lightning rods such
as a tall, isolated tree in an open area.</li><li>Hilltops, open fields, the
beach, or a boat on the water.</li><li>Isolated sheds or other small
structures in open areas.</li><li>Anything metal—tractors,
farm equipment, motorcycles, golf carts, golf clubs, and bicycles. </li></ul><p><strong>What to Do During a Thunderstorm</strong></p><a name="0.8_table01"></a><div><ul><table border="4"><tbody><tr><td><table><tbody><tr valign="top"></tr><td><strong>If you
are:</strong></td>
<td><strong>Then:</strong></td></tbody><tr valign="top"><td>In a forest</td>
<td>Seek shelter in a low area under a thick
growth of small trees.</td></tr><tr valign="top"><td>In an open area</td>
<td>Go to a low place such as a ravine or
valley. Be alert for flash floods.</td></tr><tr valign="top"><td>On open water</td>
<td>Get to land and find shelter immediately.</td></tr><tr valign="top"><td>If you feel your hair
stand on end, lightning is about to strike.</td>
<td>Squat low to the ground on the balls
of your feet. Place your hands over your ears and your head between
your knees. Make yourself the smallest target possible and minimize
your contact with the ground. DO NOT lie flat on the ground.</td></tr></table></td></td></tr></tbody></table></ul></div>
<br /><p><strong>What to Do After a Thunderstorm</strong></p><p>The following are things you should check
when you attempt to give aid to a victim of lightning:</p><ul><li><strong>Breathing</strong> - if breathing
has stopped, begin mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.</li><li><strong>Heartbeat</strong> - if the
heart has stopped, administer CPR.</li><li><strong>Pulse</strong> - if the victim
has a pulse and is breathing, look for other possible injuries. Check
for burns where the lightning entered and left the body. Also be alert
for nervous system damage, broken bones, and loss of hearing and eyesight. </li></ul><p>If a serious injury has occurred, call
911 immediately.</p>
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Thunderstorms and Lightning
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