Follow the following guidelines to keep safe from lightning strikes.

Prepare Now

• The best way to be alerted to emergencies in our community is through Ready Wake, which offers voice or text communications about potential safety hazards and concerns as well as what action (if any) you should take. Sign up today!
• Know your area’s risk for thunderstorms
• Identify nearby sturdy buildings close to where you live, work, and play
• Cut down or trim trees that may be in danger of falling on your home
• Consider purchasing surge protectors, lightning rods, or a lightning protection system to protect your home, appliances, and electronic devices

Act Now

• When thunder roars, go indoors. A sturdy building is the safest place to be in a thunderstorm
• Pay attention to weather reports and warnings of thunderstorms
• Be ready to change plans, if necessary, to be near shelter
• If your hair stands on end (indicating lightning will strike), drop to your knees, bend forward, and put your hands on your knees. Do not lie flat
• If indoors, avoid running water or using landline phones. Electricity can travel through plumbing and phone lines
• Unplug appliances and other electric devices. Secure outside furniture
• If boating or swimming, get to land and find a sturdy, grounded shelter or vehicle immediately
• If necessary, take shelter in a car with a metal top and sides. Do not touch anything metal
• Avoid flooded roadways. Turn around – don’t drown!
• Watch for fallen power lines and trees. Report them immediately