HIGHLANDS COUNTY
DIVISION OF
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
6850 West George
Blvd.
Sebring, FL 33875
863-385-1112
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THUNDERSTORMS
Before
Lightning Strikes...
- Keep an eye on the sky. Look
for darkening skies, flashes of light, or increasing wind. Listen for the
sound of thunder.
- If you can hear thunder, you
are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning. Go to safe
shelter immediately.
- Listen to NOAA
Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for the latest
weather forecasts.
When a Storm Approaches...
- Find shelter in a building or
car. Keep car windows closed and avoid convertibles.
- Telephone lines and metal
pipes can conduct electricity. Unplug appliances. Avoid using the
telephone or any electrical appliances. (Leaving electric lights on,
however, does not increase the chances of your home being struck by
lightning.)
- Avoid taking a bath or
shower, or running water for any other purpose.
- Turn off the air conditioner.
Power surges from lightning can overload the compressor, resulting in a
costly repair job!
- Draw blinds and shades over
windows. If windows break due to objects blown by the wind, the shades
will prevent glass from shattering into your home.
If Caught Outside...
- If you are in the woods, take
shelter under the shorter trees.
- If you are boating or
swimming, get to land and find shelter immediately!
Protecting Yourself Outside...
- Go to a low-lying, open place
away from trees, poles, or metal objects. Make sure the place you pick is
not subject to flooding.
- Be a very small target! Squat
low to the ground. Place your hands on your knees with your head between
them. Make yourself the smallest target possible.
- Do not lie flat on the
ground--this will make you a larger target!
After the Storm Passes...
- Stay away from storm-damaged
areas.
- Listen to the radio for
information and instructions.
If Someone is Struck
by Lightning...
- People struck by lightning
carry no electrical charge and can be handled safely.
- Call for help. Get someone to
dial 9-1-1 or your local Emergency Medical Services (EMS) number.
- The injured person has
received an electrical shock and may be burned, both where they were
struck and where the electricity left their body. Check for burns in both
places. Being struck by lightning can also cause nervous system damage,
broken bones, and loss of hearing or eyesight.
- Give first aid. If breathing
has stopped, begin rescue breathing. If the heart has stopped beating, a
trained person should give CPR. If the person has a pulse and is
breathing, look and care for other possible injuries. Learn first aid and
CPR by taking a Red Cross first aid and CPR course. call
your local Red Cross chapter
for class schedules and fees.