Severe storms

Thunderstorms, hail, blizzards, high winds and heavy rain can develop quickly and hit hard, threatening life and property. Here are some tips on what to do when a severe storm hits. Have your children and family members discuss and practice these methods for avoiding injury during severe storms.

Indoors

• Stay away from windows, doors and fireplaces .
• During thunderstorms, stay away from items that conduct electricity, such as telephones, appliances, sinks, bathtubs, radiators and metal pipes.
• Do not go outside to remove laundry from the clothesline because it may conduct electricity.

Outdoors

• Take shelter immediately, preferably in a building or, failing this, in a depressed area such as a ditch, culvert or in a cave. Never go under a tree.
• If you are caught in the open , do not lie flat but crouch down with your feet close together and your head down (the "leap-frog" position). By minimizing your contact with the ground, you reduce the risk of being electrocuted by a ground charge.
• Do not ride bicycles, motorcycles, tractors, golf carts or use metal shovels or golf clubs because they may conduct electricity.
• Take cover if hail begins to fall . Do not attempt to cover plants, cars or garden furniture or to rescue animals. Hail comes down at great speed, especially when accompanied by high winds.
• Never touch power lines: a hanging power line could be charged (live) and you could be electrocuted. Remember also that ice, branches or power lines can continue to break and fall for several hours after the end of the precipitation.

In a car

• stop the car (away from trees or power lines that might fall on you) and remain in the car.