Prepare for a Thunder & Lightning
Thunder & Lightning |
Get a Thunder & Lightning Kit |
Make a Plan |
Prepare |
During the Thunder & Lightning |
After theThunder & Lightning
If a storm is approaching...
- Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall and cause injury or damage during a severe thunderstorm.
- Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage.
- Shutter windows and secure outside doors. If shutters are not available, close window blinds, shades or curtains.
- Postpone outdoor activities
- Remember the 30/30 Lightning Safety Rule: Go indoors if, after seeing lightning, you cannot count to 30 before hearing thunder. Stay indoors for 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder.
- Get inside a home, building, or hard top automobile (not a convertible). Although you may be injured if lightning strikes your car, you are much safer inside a vehicle than outside.
- Remember, rubber-soled shoes and rubber tires provide NO protection from lightning. However, the steel frame of a hard-topped vehicle provides increased protection if you are not touching metal.
- Unplug any electronic equipment well before the storm arrives
Pre-Disaster Preparation - Prepare Your Home
Make sure you set a timeline to complete this task! By giving yourself a deadline, you will be able to complete it in a timely manner.
Conduct a ONE HOUR INVENTORY
Inside your house:
- Go through your house/office and video tape/take pictures of your valuables
- Remember to include pictures of smaller valuables like jewelry, china, silver, etc.
- Also take pictures that include these items in the background for further proof of ownership
- Valuations
- Document serial numbers, model numbers on big ticket items for insurance purposes
- Make note of "risk reduction - elimination" (things you don't replace)
- Photograph any important paperwork - car titles - house deeds - passports - birth certificates
- Review your insurance policies to ensure that you have the proper coverage - NOTE: most homeowner's policies do not include coverage for flood damage.
- Copy of social security card, drivers license, passport
- Copies of the last 3 years of your tax returns
- SAVE the photos and list on your computer
- SAVE the photos & lists on a flash drive and keep in a safe deposit box
- Keep all of your important papers in one location so you can grab and go.
Outside:
- Take pictures of the outside of your home / other existing structures
- Take pictures of your cars and any outdoor equipment (lawn mowers, patio furniture, gas grill, bicycles, etc.)
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.
- Store it in your shelter location