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. Other dangers associated with thunderstorms include tornadoes, strong winds, hail and flash flooding.
Know Your Risk and What to Do
- Contact your local emergency management office to learn about emergency plans.
- Get additional information from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (www.fema.gov), the American Red Cross (www.redcross.org), and NOAA’s National Weather Service (www.nws.noaa.gov).
- Inquire about emergency plans and procedures at your child’s school and at your workplace.
- Make a family disaster plan that includes out-of-town contacts and locations to reunite if you become separated.
- Be sure everyone knows home, work, and cell phone numbers, how to call out-of-state contacts, and how to call 9-1-1…
