The American Red Cross-Knoxville Area Chapter encourages
you and your family to read and use these tips to help
keep you safe when severe thunderstorms and lightning
are approaching. For more information on staying safe
year-round, call your American Red Cross at (865) 584-2999.
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.
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