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National Weather Service Forecast Office-Buffalo, NY
Thunderstorms
All thunderstorms are dangerous. Every thunderstorm produces lightning. In the United States, an average of 300 people are injured and 80 people are killed each year by lightning. Although most lightning victims survive, people struck by lightning often report a variety of long-term, debilitating symptoms.
To prepare for a thunderstorm, you should do the following:
- Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall and cause injury or damage during a severe thunderstorm.
- Remember the 30/30 lightning safety rule: Go
indoors if, after seeing lightning, you cannot count to 30 before hearing
thunder. Stay indoors for 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of
thunder.
The following are guidelines for what you should do if a thunderstorm is likely in your area:
- Postpone outdoors activities
- Get inside a home, building, or hard-top automobile
(not a convertible). Although you may be injured if lightning
strikes your car, you are much safer inside a vehicle than outside.
- Remember, rubber-soled shoes and rubber tires
provide NO protection from lightning. However, the steel frame of a
hard-topped vehicle provides increased protection if you are not touching
metal.
- Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or
cause damage.
- Shutter windows and secure outside doors. If
shutters are not available, close window blinds, shades, or curtains.
- Avoid showering or bathing. Plumbing and
bathroom fixtures can conduct electricity.
- Use a corded telephone only for emergencies.
Cordless and cellular telephones are safe to use.
- Unplug appliances and other electrical items such
as computers and turn off air conditioners. Power surges from
lightning can cause serious damage.
- Use your battery-operated NOAA Weather Radio for
updates from local officials.
- Avoid the following:
- Natural lightning rods such as a tall, isolated tree in an open area.
- Hilltops, open fields, the beach, or a boat on the water.
- Isolated sheds or other small structures in open areas.
- Anything metal -- tractors, farm equipment, motorcycles, golf carts, golf clubs, and bicycles.
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