SEVERE THUNDERSTORM SAFETY TIPS
SHERIFF HILTS PROVIDES SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY TIPS FOR LAKE COUNTY RESIDENTS
Baldwin-- Temperatures are rising and Michigan is beginning to thaw out from a long, cold winter. While the warmth is welcome, spring also ushers in severe weather. While flash flooding and tornadoes are often part of the spring thaw, thunderstorms are the most common severe weather in Michigan. Because they are so common people often take them in stride, forgetting they can spawn flash floods and tornadoes.
Sheriff Hilts offers the following severe thunderstorm safety tips to Lake County Residents:
Before the storm:
- Know the county in which you live, work and/or vacation in and the names of nearby major cities and surrounding counties. Tornado warnings are issued using counties and cities as reference points.
- Check the weather forecast before leaving for extended periods outdoors.
- Watch for signs of approaching storms.
- Postpone outdoor activities if thunderstorms are imminent.
- check on those who might have trouble getting to shelter if severe weather threatens.
When thunderstorms approach:
- When thunder roars go indoors. If you can hear thunder you are close enough to the storm to be stuck by lighting. Lightning can arc 5 to 10 miles from the thunderstorm. Go to safe shelter immediately. You are not safe outdoors.
- Get out of boats and away from water.
- Telephone lines and metal pipes can conduct electricity. Unplug appliances not necessary for obtaining weather information. Avoid using corded telephones or any electrical appliances. Use telephones only in an emergency.
- Do not take a bath or shower.
- Turn off air conditioners. Power surges from lightning can overload the compressors.
If caught outdoors:
- Keep abreast of the weather conditions so as not to get caught outdoors.
- Run to the nearest shelter. No place outside is safe in a thunderstorm.
- A hard top automobile offers some protection. Keep windows up. If you are boating or swimming get to land and find shelter immediately.