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THUNDERSTORMS
A thunderstorm is a storm with lightning caused by changes in air pressure. Sever thunderstorms can bring heavy rains
(which can cause flash flooding), strong winds, hail and tornados. At any given moment, nearly 1,800 thunderstorms are in
progress over the face the earth!
The sound of thunder can be especially frightening for young children.
Take the scariness away by teaching them what to expect during a thunderstorm and how to be safe.
- If you can't get inside.... or if you feel your hair stand on end, which means lightning is about to strike..... hurry
to a low, open space immediately. Crouch down and place your hands on your knees.
- Move away from tall things like trees, towers, fences, telephone poles, or power lines. They attract lightning, never
stand underneath a single large tree out in an open because lightning will hit the higher point in an area.
- Stay away from metal things that lightning may strike, such as umbrellas, baseball bats, fishing rods, camping equipment,
and bicycles.
- If you are boating or swimming, get to land immediately.
- Lightning can cause electric appliances including televisions and telephones, to become dangerous during a thunderstorm.
- Turn off the air conditioner and television and stay off the phone until the storm is over.
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Family Disaster Plan Supply Kit
Following a disaster, basic services --- electricity, water, gas, and telephones may be cut off for days. You probably
won't have time to shop or search for the supplies you'll need. Gather your supplies before disaster strikes.
Action Kits
- One gallon of water per person per day.
- Non-perishable food; ready to eat canned meats, fruits, vegetables, canned juices, milk and soup; sugar, salt, and pepper;
high energy foods such as peanut butter, jelly, crackers, nuts, health food bars, trail mix; comfort foods such as cookies,
hard candies, and sweetened cereal.
(Don't forget a non-electric can opener)
- A first aid kit that includes your family's prescription medications.
- Emergency supplies and tools including a battery-operated radio, flashlight, and plenty of extra batteries.
- One change of clothing and footwear per person, and one blanket or sleeping bag per person.
- Sanitation Supplies: toilet paper, soap, personal hygene items.
- Special items for infant, elderly, or disabled family members.
- An extra set of car keys and cash, traveler's checks and a credit card.
(Store enough supplies to last at least three days. Store all your kits in a safe, conveneint place known to all family
members. You should also keep important family documents in a waterproof container.
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Tornados
Natures most violent storms -- they can devastate an area in seconds
A tornado appears as a rotating, funnel-shaped cloud, striking the ground with whirling winds of up to 300
miles per hour.
A tornado spins like a top and may sound like an airplane or train. Most tornados travel a distance of about
10 miles, although some tornado tracks of 200 miles have been reported. Tornados can happen just about anywhere in the United
States.
TORNADO WATCH
Weather conditions are right for tornados to develop. A watch does not necessarily mean a tornado will develop.
TORNADO WARNING
A tornado has been sighted and is dangerous. This is the time to go to a safe place and listen to a battery-operated
radio for instructions.
Safety Tips
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If you're in a house or apartment building, go to the basement or storm cellar. If there is no basement
or storm cellar go to the middle section of the building on the lowest level.
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Get under something sturdy, such a heavy table, and stay there until the danger has passed. Use your arms
and hands to protect your head from falling or flying objects.
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If you're outside, in a car, or mobile home , go immediately to the basement of a nearby sturdy building
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