Office of Emergency Management

During a Thunderstorm

OUTDOOR HAZARDS - During thunderstorms dead or rotting trees and branches can fall during a severe thunderstorm and cause injury or property damage. Time permitting, tie down lawn chairs and other objects, or else bring them inside a storage shed, garage or other secure place.

Personel Protection Information

• IF YOU ARE OUTDOORS
  
  
  • Attempt to get inside of a building.
  • If no building is available, squat low in an open space such as a field.
  • Place your hands on your knees and do not lie flat on the ground.
  • Never stand underneath a single tree. If in a wooded area, find an area protected by a low clump of trees.
  • Kneel or crouch with you hands on your knees.
  • Avoid natural lightning rods such as tools, golf clubs, tractors, fishing rods, bicycles or camping equipment.
    
    
• IF YOU ARE IN A CAR
  
  
  • Stay in the car, but pull safely off to the shoulder of the road and stay away from trees that could fall onto the vehicle.
  • Stay in the car and use your emergency flashers until the storm passes.
  • DO NOT SEEK SHELTER UNDER OVERPASSES. This could lead to the stopping of traffic and will prevent emergency personnel from getting to those in need of assistance.