Precautions to take during a thunderstorm

With the recent thunderstorms and heavy winds in our area, it is important to be alert and take care during such conditions, both indoors and outdoors.

Here are a few precaution tips one can take when a heavy thunderstorm occurs:

• If you’re planning an outdoors trip, postpone the trip or any activities that include being outdoors to a more suitable time.
• Avoid driving during stormy conditions. Roads will be slippery and wet during bad weather conditions

• Always try to go indoors when there is a heavy thunderstorm

• If you cannot find suitable shelter, get in a car with a metal roof and sides. Make sure all windows are rolled up and doors are closed.

• Keep away from concrete floors or walls. Lightning can travel through any metal wires or bars in concrete walls or flooring.
• Avoid water during a thunderstorm. Lightning can travel through plumbing.

• Switch off all electronic equipment. This includes television sets, kitchen appliances, radios, etc. Lightning can travel through electrical systems.

• Bring your pets indoors. Doghouses and other pet shelters are not suitable protection against lightning strikes

• Stay away from isolated objects such as trees and light posts.
• If you are fishing or swimming, get out of the water immediately, and move away from the body of water. Being near water is extremely dangerous during a lightning storm.