Safety
AROUND YOUR HOME

When lightning strikes and tornadoes blow

Spring is just around the corner. It's a time when bulbs start to sprout due to warm weather. Unfortunately, warm weather not only sprouts bulbs, but at times stormy weather.

Adults and children alike are often caught outdoors when such weather approaches and now is the time to familiarize yourself and your family with the precautions you should follow when storms roll in.

Mary Zitek

Lightning kills approximately 75 to 100 and has injured hundreds of people each year. Most victims of lightning never realized they were in real danger. If you hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck. Surprise bolts can extend from the edge of a storm well away from where most of the thunder and lightning are occurring.

If you are boating or swimming (or near water) you should get to land immediately and seek indoor shelter. A car provides protection, but a building (not a picnic shelter or shed) is preferable. If you are in a vehicle, keep the windows closed. Convertible cars offer little protection, as it is the car's top and metal frame, not tires that offer protection.

Leave open areas immediately (ball fields, golf courses, parks, etc.). If no indoor shelter or auto is available, seek a low-lying area away from trees, poles or metal objects, which can conduct electricity. If you feel your hair begin to stand on end or skin tingle, assume a tucked position, place your hands on your knees and put your head between them. Your feet should be the only thing barely touching the ground. If you were to lie flat it would only provide a larger surface to conduct electricity.

Tornadoes are one of nature's most violent storms. Over 800 are reported annually resulting in an average of 80 deaths and over 1,500 injuries nationwide. Most tornadoes occur in the months of April through June, however, they can occur at any time throughout the year.

The National Weather Service will issue watches and/or warnings when conditions are favorable for a tornado. A tornado or severe thunderstorm watch is when a tornado or severe storm is possible in your area. You should keep an eye out for approaching storms. A tornado or severe thunderstorm warning is issued when one has been spotted or is indicated on radar. You should remain alert and seek shelter immediately if the sky becomes threatening. Remember that a tornado occasionally develops during a severe thunderstorm warning or watch.

If you are outside and a tornado threatens your area, you should seek shelter such as a storm cellar or basement immediately. If a cellar or basement is not available, go to a hallway or interior room on the lowest level of the building and cover yourself with a mattress or get under a heavy piece of furniture. Stay away from windows. Most deaths and injuries result from flying debris. If no shelter is available, lie flat in a nearby ditch or seek shelter under an overpass. Do not try to outrun the tornado in your car. People in autos and mobile homes are among those most at risk.

Flash Floods are another danger resulting from storms.

They account for more deaths than lightning or tornadoes. If a warning has been issued, be prepared to evacuate flood-prone areas. If you are driving and there is a flash flood watch or warning, stay away from rivers, streams, creeks and storm drains. If your car stalls in rising waters, climb out immediately and get to higher ground. Most flash flood deaths occur in automobiles.

Staying informed of weather conditions (by observation, local TV or radio) will help you decide on what action you should take. Take steps now to prepare for these emergencies, the steps you take can save your life!

Note: To protect your appliances during a thunderstorm, ask your local cooperative about surge protectors.

Mary Zitek, Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives safety technician

14 ILLINOIS COUNTRY LIVING MARCH 2000