What protective actions can I take during a thunderstorm?

Thunderstorms are very unpredictable and can pop up at any time. Also, remember that tornadoes can occur in areas of severe thunderstorm development. There are a few common sense measures you can take to survive some of the hazards associated with thunderstorms:

• Lightning can be deadly! Remember all lightning safety rules!
• Stay indoors and don't venture out unless absolutely necessary
• Don't use the telephone!
• Unplug your television from the cable outlet or conventional antenna
• If there is a power failure, turn off all electrical appliances and switches before the power comes back on. This may avoid damage if there is a power surge
• Increase your awareness and be on the watch for high winds, hail and possible tornadoes. Monitor your portable radio, including NOAA Weather Radio.
• Golfers should take heed: leave the golf course and seek shelter.
• Take necessary precautions for possible flooding.
• Don't take a shower or a bath. Water and copper tubing are excellent conductors of electricity.
• Get out of the water and get off of the beaches.
• Stay in your car if you are traveling. Automobiles offer excellent protection because the metal bodies conduct electricity away from the occupants.
• If you are driving use extreme caution. Visibility may be impaired by downpours. Inspect and replace your wiper blades regularly.
• Automobile braking may be reduced by water on the road. Occasionally test your brakes by pumping them.
• When shelter is not available, as when caught in an open field, present a low profile by crouching or laying down
• Never stand near or under a tree. A lightning strike can turn the bark into shrapnel.
• Although hail is rather infrequent, park vehicles under a car port or in a garage to prevent hail damage. If you don't have a covered place for your car, thick blankets tied to the hood, roof, and trunk will offer some protection against hail.
• Never touch downed power lines. Dial 911 or the local power company immediately to ensure that the line is turned off so repairs can be made.

What should I do if I am on a boat on the open water during a thunderstorm?

Thunderstorms are generally unpredictable. Even with the best weather reports, boaters can still be caught in open waters in a thunderstorm. Then, with or without a lightning protection system, it is critical to take additional precautions to protect yourself.

You should:

• Stay in the center of the cabin if so designed. If no cabin, stay low in the boat. Don't be a stand-up lightning rod!
• Keep arms and legs in the boat. Do not dangle them over the side.
• Stop all fishing, water skiing, scuba diving, swimming, or other water activities when there is lightning, or even when weather conditions look threatening. The first lightning can be a mile or more in front of an approaching thunderstorm.
• Disconnect and do not use or touch major electronic equipment including the radio, throughout the duration of the storm. Listen to NOAA Weather Radio, preferably with a portable radio.
• Lower, remove, or tie down the radio antenna and other protruding devices if they are not part of the lightning protection system.
• To the degree possible, avoid making contact with two components connected to the system at the same time. For example, the gear levers and the spotlight may both be connected to the system. Should you have a hand on both when lightning strikes, the path of the electric current could be through your heart-- a very deadly path!
• At least one person on board should be competent in CPR and first aid. Many people struck by lightning can be saved with prompt first aid.
• If a boat has been, or is suspected to have been struck by lightning, check out the electrical system and compasses to be sure that no damage has occurred.