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Thunderstorm
Before Lightning
Strikes...
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Keep an
eye on the sky. Look for darkening skies, flashes of light or increasing
wind. Listen for the sound of thunder.
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If you
can hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning.
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Listen
to your local radio and TV stations for the latest forecasts.
When a Storm Approaches...
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Find shelter
in a building or car. Keep car windows closed. Telephone lines and metal
pipes can conduct electricity. Unplug appliances and avoid using them or
the telephone.
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Avoid
taking a bath or shower, or running water for any other purpose.
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Turn off
the air conditioner. Power surges from lightning can overload the compressor,
resulting in a costly repair job.
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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...
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If you
are in the woods, take shelter under the shorter trees.
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If you
are boating or swimming, get to land and find shelter immediately.
Protecting
Yourself Outside...
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Go to
a low-lying, open place away from trees, poles or metal objects.
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Make sure
the place you pick is not subject to flooding.
Be a Very Small Target...
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Squat
low to the ground. Place your hands on your knees with your head between
them.
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Make yourself
the smallest target, with as little of you touching the ground, as possible.
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Do not
lie flat on the ground -- this will make you a larger target.
If Someone
is Struck By Lightning...
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People
struck by lightning carry no electrical charge and can be handled safely.
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Call for
help. Get someone to dial 9-1-1.
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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.
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Give first
aid. If breathing has stopped, begin rescue breathing. If the heart has
stopped beating, a trained person should give CPR. To become trained in
first aid and CPR, check our community courses
or call the Red Cross, (318) 865-9545.
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