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thunderstorms & lightning

Lightning is a leading cause of injury and death from weather-related hazards. Although most lightning victims survive, people struck by lightning often report a variety of long-term, debilitating symptoms. Thunderstorms are dangerous storms that include lightning and can:

  • Include powerful winds over 50 MPH;

  • Create hail; and

  • Cause flash flooding and tornadoes.

 

IF YOU ARE UNDER A THUNDERSTORM WARNING, FIND SAFE SHELTER RIGHT AWAY

  • When thunder roars, go indoors!

  • Move from outdoors into a building or car.

  • Pay attention to alerts and warnings.

  • Unplug appliances.

  • Do not use landline phones.

  • Stay tuned to your local media outlet or your weather radio

 

HOW TO STAY SAFE WHEN A THUNDERSTORM THREATENS

Chattanooga Valley area
on top of Lookout Mountain

prepare now

  • Know your area’s risk for thunderstorms. In most places, they can occur year-round and at any hour.

  • Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.

  • Identify nearby, sturdy buildings close to where you live, work, study, and play.

  • Cut down or trim trees that may be in danger of falling on your home.

  • Consider buying surge protectors, lightning rods, or a lightning protection system to protect your home, appliances, and electronic devices.

survive during

  • When thunder roars, go indoors. A sturdy building is the safest place to be during a thunderstorm.

  • Pay attention to weather reports and warnings of thunderstorms. Be ready to change plans, if necessary, to be near shelter.

  • When you receive a thunderstorm warning or hear thunder, go inside immediately.

  • If indoors, avoid running water or using landline phones. Electricity can travel through plumbing and phone lines.

  • Protect your property. Unplug appliances and other electric devices. Secure outside furniture.

  • If boating or swimming, get to land and find a sturdy, grounded shelter or vehicle immediately.

  • If necessary, take shelter in a car with a metal top and sides. Do not touch anything metal.

  • Avoid flooded roadways. Turn Around. Don’t Drown! Just six inches of fast-moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.

be safe after

  • Listen to authorities and weather forecasts for information on whether it is safe to go outside and instructions regarding potential flash flooding.

  • Watch for fallen power lines and trees. Report them immediately.

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