Thunderstorm Tips

No place outside is safe when a thunderstorm is in the area. It is best to seek shelter in a building or hard-topped metal vehicle as fast as you can. If you can’t, use these lightning safety tips to reduce the probability of you or someone else being struck by lightning.

Always be prepared if the worst should happen. A thunderstorm is considered severe if it produces hail at least 1 inch in diameter or has wind gusts of at least 58 miles per hour. Every thunderstorm produces lightning, which kills more people each year than tornadoes or hurricanes. Heavy rain from thunderstorms can cause flash flooding, and high winds can damage homes and blow down trees and utility poles, causing widespread power outages. During a thunderstorm make sure you stay away from windows, electrical equipment, and telephones. Make sure your insurance covers damage that can be caused by storms.