Severe Thunderstorm Safety

Lightning kills more people than tornadoes.  Every thunderstorm produces lightning, so be prepared!
By counting the seconds between a lightning flash and the thunder and dividing by 5, you can estimate the distance you are from the strike in miles.

Severe Thunderstorms and Lightning

Safety Tips:

  • If you can hear thunder, you're close enough to get struck.  Find shelter immediately.
  • Move to a sturdy building and stay away from the windows.  If not available, get inside a hardtop vehicles with the windows up.
  • Get out of boats and away from water.
  • Unplug appliances and avoid using the telephone except in an emergency.

Lightning Fact or Fiction

FICTION: Lighting never strikes the same place twice.
FACT: Lightning has "favorite" spots that it may hit several times during one storm.

FICTION: If it's not raining, then there's no danger of lightning.
FACT: Lightning often strikes outside of a rain area and may strike miles away.

FICTION: The rubber soles of shoes or rubber tires on a car will protect you.
FACT: These provide NO protection. The steel frame of the vehicle provides protection if you are not touching metal. You are much safer inside a vehicle than outside.

FICTION: People struck by lightning carry an electrical charge and shouldnt be touched.
FACT: They carry no charge, and should be attended to immediately. Call 911.

FICTION: "Heat Lightning" occurs after hot summer days and poses no threat.
FACT: The lightning is usually from a thunderstorm too far away for the thunder to be heard. However, the storm might be moving in your direction, so be prepared!

*source - North Texas Know What2do Guide