Thunderstorm Safety Checklist: Essential Steps to Protect Yourself and Your Home

Thunderstorms are powerful natural events that can pose significant risks, including lightning strikes, high winds, hail, and flash floods. Being prepared can make a crucial difference in ensuring your safety and minimizing potential damage. Here's a comprehensive checklist to guide you through the necessary steps before, during, and after a thunderstorm.

Before a Thunderstorm

1. Identify a Safe Shelter

Locate a sturdy building with walls and a foundation to seek shelter in before a thunderstorm hits. Once identified, plan to shelter in the basement or a small, interior, windowless room on the lowest level to provide additional protection from high winds. Mobile homes and recreational vehicles are not safe during high winds; identify a nearby sturdy building you can reach quickly. (redcross.org)

2. Secure Outdoor Items

Make a list of items outside your home that you need to tie down or put away so they don't blow away or fly through a window during high winds. When a High Wind, Severe Thunderstorm, or Tornado Watch is issued, immediately secure these items to avoid damage or injury once the wind starts picking up. (redcross.org)

3. Stay Informed

Sign up for free emergency alerts from your local government. Monitor local weather and news. Have a plan to keep your phone charged. In case of a power outage, have a battery-powered radio. Understand the types of alerts that you may receive and have a plan to respond:

• WATCH: Be prepared!

• WARNING: Take action!

(redcross.org)

4. Learn Emergency Skills

Learn First Aid and CPR. Utilities may be offline. Be prepared to live without power, gas, and water. Plan for your electrical needs, including cell phones and medical equipment. (redcross.org)

During a Thunderstorm

1. Seek Shelter Immediately

When you hear thunder, seek shelter inside a sturdy building and move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor. Stay away from glass windows and doors. Stay inside until weather forecasts indicate it is safe to leave. (redcross.org)

2. Avoid Electrical Appliances and Plumbing

Lightning can be dangerous even when you're inside. Avoid using devices connected to electrical outlets. Avoid running water as lightning can travel through plumbing and water lines. (redcross.org)

3. Stay Away from Windows and Doors

Stay away from glass windows and doors. Stay inside until weather forecasts indicate it is safe to leave. (redcross.org)

4. Avoid Taking Shelter Under Trees

It is dangerous to take shelter under a tree as it is the leading cause of death from lightning strikes. You could also be killed or injured by strong winds blowing down trees and branches. (redcross.org)

5. Stay in Your Vehicle if Necessary

Being in a vehicle is safer than being outside; however, if you have time, drive to the closest sturdy building, and take shelter inside. If you are driving and can't get to a sturdy building, pull off the road and park in a place where falling trees and power lines won't hit you. (redcross.org)

6. Be Aware of Flash Flooding

Flash flooding happens quickly. Move to higher ground before floodwaters reach you. Never walk, swim, or drive through floodwater. Turn Around! Don't Drown! (redcross.org)

After a Thunderstorm

1. Avoid Fallen Power Lines

Avoid fallen power lines, poles, and wires. They can electrocute you. Report them to the utility company immediately. (redcross.org)

2. Expect Power Outages

Expect power outages. Avoid using candles due to the risk of fires. Use battery-powered lights and flashlights instead. Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Only use generators, grills, and camp stoves outdoors and away from windows. Don't get sick from eating spoiled food. Throw out food that got wet or warm. When in doubt, throw it out! (redcross.org)

3. Take Care of Yourself

It's normal to have a lot of bad feelings, stress, or anxiety. Eat healthy food and get enough sleep to help you deal with stress. You can contact the Disaster Distress Helpline for free if you need to talk to someone. Call or text 1-800-985-5990. (redcross.org)

By following this checklist, you can significantly enhance your safety during thunderstorms. Remember, preparation is key to protecting yourself, your loved ones, and your property.

Highlights:

• Red Cross Preparing to Help as Flooding, Tornadoes Threaten Millions, Published on Tuesday, June 16