A thunderstorm is always accompanied by lightning and can cause destructive winds, tornadoes, heavy rain, hail and flash flooding. Lightning causes more damage in a typical year than floods, hurricanes, and tornadoes combined.
Are You Inside?
Stay inside and postpone outdoor activities.
Unplug electrical devices not necessary for obtaining weather information.
Avoid using appliances and telephones except for in an emergency.
Do not take a bath or shower during a thunderstorm.
Are You Outside?
Seek shelter in a sturdy building or a vehicle with a hard top.
Avoid touching metal objects, such as bicycles, fences, golf clubs, and lawnmowers.
Don't go near tall trees, poles, hills, wires, or metal pipes.
In water, get to shore immediately and seek shelter.
In the woods, take shelter in a low area under thick, shorter trees.
In the open, head for low ground (such as a valley or ravine) and crouch down, If golfing, leave the course immediately.
In a group, don't huddle, spread out.
Be Prepared for Thunderstorms
Install a lightning protection system, which provides a safe path for grounding electric current. They are not noticeable and do not attract lightning.
Install a surge protector to shield electrical equipment and appliances. These range from surge protectors for each item to those that protect the entire house.
Have your home inspected to make sure it is properly grounded for lighting strikes.