Family Preparedness
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Family Preparedness |
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...associated with summer severe weather. There are other events that are just as dangerous.
Lightning: Every year, lightning kills an average of 66 people and injures scores of others. As in the case of most storm-related injuries, the greatest danger is in not knowing what to do when the hazard presents itself. Outdoors, take cover when the interval between flash and thunder is less than thirty seconds. Remain under cover thirty minutes after the last flash is observed. This is known as the 30-30 Rule, and has become the standard for the NCAA and other athletic and sporting groups. 'Under cover' means just that...in a building with a proper roof. Avoid being the tallest object or near the tallest object during a thunderstorm. Never take cover under a tree, or near a metal fence. If you happen to be caught in the open and feel a tingling sensation, it means that you have planned badly. DO NOT lie flat on the ground. That just places you in better contact with the ground. CROUCH and SHUFFLE quickly to cover. A recitation of your favorite prayer might be appropriate at this point. If you encounter a person that has been struck by lightning, remember that they do not retain an electrical charge. Start CPR and have someone call 911 immediately. Indoors, stay away from plumbing, windows, and electrical devices. Lightning can travel down electric lines and through water lines to seek ground. Lightning is our most underrated weather hazard. It should be respected.
Hail: Hail is rarely a killer, but it causes hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage to property and crops every year. Hail greater that 3/4" in diameter is considered severe. Large pieces of ice falling from thousands of feet are liable to cause damage when they impact. Best to stay inside when hail occurs. When on the road, find a covered area to wait out the storm. Obviously, the same shelter that one would use to avoid hail would not work for a tornado...it would not be prudent to remain under an overpass if a tornado was approaching.
Straight Line Winds: Often times people will be interviewed after a squall line passes, and they will swear that a tornado had occurred. In fact, in most cases the damage and commotion was caused by severe straight line winds. 'Severe' winds are those in excess of 58 MPH, which is when the wind begins to break things. You can avoid wind damage by keeping light items like lawn furniture and yard ornaments either well anchored or under cover when storms approach. Stay indoors during thunderstorms to avoid flying objects. Travel with caution or not at all during high winds, especially in today's high-profile SUVs.
Flash Flooding: Flash flooding is the great killer of severe weather. A flash flood is a rapid rise of water due to a concentrated heavy rainfall. Water can move with unexpected force. It can move structures or objects with ease. Six inches of fast moving water can float and move a vehicle or knock a person off their feet. Never drive or walk into a flooded roadway. You can't tell if the road underneath is still intact. It's entirely possible that moving water can conceal a missing bridge deck. Avoid low-lying areas when heavy rain is forecast. Above all: TURN AROUND, DON'T DROWN!
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copyright ©1998 by the author and ©2007 Sandwich, Illinois Emergency Management Agency. |
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