Thunder & Lightning
Thunder & Lightning |
Get a Thunder & Lightning Kit |
Make a Plan |
Prepare |
During the Thunder & Lightning |
After theThunder & Lightning
In the United States, lightning kills 300 people and injures 80 on average, each year. All thunderstorms produce lightning and all have the potential for danger. Those dangers can include tornadoes, strong winds, hail, wildfires and flash flooding, which is responsible for more fatalities than any other thunderstorm-related hazard.
Lightning's risk to individuals and property is increased because of its unpredictability, which emphasizes the importance of preparedness. It often strikes outside of heavy rain and may occur as far as 10 miles away from any rainfall. Most lightning deaths and injuries occur when people are caught outdoors in the summer months during the afternoon and evening.
Terms used to identify a thunderstorm hazard
Familiarize yourself with the terms that are used to identify a thunderstorm hazard
- A thunderstorm watch means there is a possibility of a thunderstorm in your area.
- A thunderstorm warning means a thunderstorm is occurring or will likely occur soon. If you are advised to take shelter, do so immediately.
Facts about Thunder & Lightning
Thunderstorms
- They may occur singly, in clusters or in lines.
- Some of the most severe occur when a single thunderstorm affects one location for an extended time.
- Thunderstorms typically produce heavy rain for a brief period, anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour.
- Warm, humid conditions are highly favorable for thunderstorm development.
- About 10 percent of thunderstorms are classified as severe - one that produces hail at least three-quarters of an inch in diameter, has winds of 58 miles per hour or higher or produces a tornado.
Lightning
- Lightning's unpredictability increases the risk to individuals and property.
- Lightning often strikes outside of heavy rain and may occur as far as 10 miles away from any rainfall.
- "Heat lightning" is actually lightning from a thunderstorm too far away from thunder to be heard. However, the storm may be moving in your direction.
- Most lightning deaths and injuries occur when people are caught outdoors in the summer months during the afternoon and evening.
- Your chances of being struck by lightning are estimated to be 1 in 600,000 but could be reduced even further by following safety precautions.
- Lightning strike victims carry no electrical charge and should be attended to immediately.
Prepare
Step 1: Get a Kit
-
Get an
Emergency Supply Kit
, which includes items like non-perishable food, water, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio,
extra flashlights and batteries.
-
Make sure you have a
"to-go bag"
ready in case you need to evacuate.
Step 2: Make a Plan
Step 3: Be Informed
-
Listen to Local Officials -
Learn about the emergency plans that have been established in your area by your
state and local government
. In any emergency, always listen to the instructions given by local emergency management
officials.