Severe Weather Safety Tips 

When a thunderstorm threatens. . .

• Get inside a home, large building, or an all-metal (not convertible) automobile.
• Do not use the telephone except for emergencies.
• Do not stand underneath a natural lightning rod such as a tall, isolated tree or a telephone pole.
• Avoid projecting above the surrounding landscape; for example, do not stand on a hilltop.
• In a forest, seek shelter in a low area under a thick growth of small trees. In open areas, go to a low place such as a ravine or valley.
• Get away from open water, tractors and other metal farm equipment, and mall metal vehicles such as motorcycles, bicycles, and golf carts.
• Avoid wire fences, clotheslines, metal pipes and rails; put down golf clubs.
• Finally, if you are caught out in a level field or in the open, away from shelter, and you feel your hair stand on end, lightning may be about to strike you. Drop to your knees and bend forward, putting your hands on your knees. Do not lie flat on the ground.

• Avoid windows, doors and outside walls; protect your head.
• In homes and small buildings, go to the basement or to an interior part of the lowest level; such as a closet, a bathroom, or an interior hallway. Get underneath something sturdy.
• In schools, nursing homes, hospitals, factories, and shopping centers, go to pre-designated shelter areas. Interior hallways on the lowest floor are usually the safest.
• In high-rise buildings, go to interior small rooms or hallways.
• Leave mobile homes or vehicles, and go to a substantial shelter. If there is no shelter nearby, lie flat in the nearest ditch, ravine, or culvert with your hands shielding your head. Be alert for rapidly rising waters in the ditch.

What to do during a Flash Flood. . .

• Get out of areas subject to flooding. This includes dips, low spots, canyons, washes, etc.
• Avoid already flooded and high velocity flow areas. Do not attempt to cross a flowing stream on foot where the water is above your knees.
• If driving, know the depth of water in a dip before crossing. The road bed may not be intact under the water.
• If the vehicle stalls, abandon it immediately; seek higher ground. Rapidly rising water may engulf the vehicle and its occupants and sweep them away.
• Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.
• Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams and washes, particularly during threatening conditions.

When Boating. . .

• Keep an eye out for the approach of dark, threatening clouds, which may be associated with thunderstorms; a steadily increasing wind or sea; any developing decrease in visibility such as fog; and any increase in wind velocity opposite in direction to strong tidal current. A dangerous rip tide condition may form steep waves that can breach a boat.
• Check radio weather broadcasts for the latest forecasts and warnings.
• Heavy static on your AM radio may be an indication of nearby thunderstorm activity.
• If a thunderstorm catches you off guard, remember that not only gusty winds but also lightning poses a threat to safety. A. Stay below deck if possible. B. Keep away from metal objects that are not grounded to the boat's protection system. C. Do not touch more than one grounded object simultaneously or you may become a shortcut for electrical surges passing through the protection system. D. Put on a life jacket and prepare for rough waters.

When driving in Fog. . .

• Drive with lights on low beam. High beams will only be reflected back off the fog and actually impair visibility even more.
• Slow down. . .Slow down. . .Slow down.
• Listen for traffic you cannot see.
• Use wipers and defrosters as necessary for maximum visibility.
• Be patient. Do not pass lines of traffic.
• Do not stop on a freeway or heavily traveled road. If your car stalls or becomes disabled, move away from the vehicle to avoid personal injury.
• Consider postponing your trip until the fog clears. Usually by late morning or during the afternoon, visibilities improve.

• Check battery powered equipment before the storm arrives.
  A portable radio or television set may be your only contact
   with the world outside.
• Check your food stock and extra supplies. Your supply should include food that requires no cooking or refrigeration in case of power failure.
• Stay indoors during storms unless you are in peak physical condition. If you must go out, avoid overexertion.
• Do not kill yourself shoveling snow. It is extremely hard work
  for anyone in less than prime physical condition, and can bring on a heart attack, a major cause of death during and after winter storms.