Safety during storms and power outages

The onset of spring and summer brings the possibility of thunderstorms, tornadoes, and power outages.

Although many of us may never experience a tornado or power outage, it is important to be prepared for severe weather events.

Here are some tips to help keep family and friends safe.  

THUNDERSTORMS

• “If thunder roars, go indoors.” Thunder is one of the earlier indicators of a storm and is caused by lightning. Thunder can be heard from more than 10 miles away. If you can hear the thunder, then you are at risk for being struck by lightning because it can travel 10 to 12 miles.
• If boating or swimming, get to land and find shelter or get in a vehicle.
• If hiking, seek shelter or a vehicle. If you are unable to seek shelter, avoid remote trees and tall objects.
• Keep away from groups, staying 15 feet apart from others.
• If you see lightning, then crouch down keeping your feet together and your head low and covered with your hands.   

FLOODING

• Evacuate immediately if asked to do so.
• Follow specified evacuation routes.
• “Turn around and don’t drown,” avoiding flooded roadways. Six inches of water will cause most cars to stall. More importantly, when roadways are covered with water, there is no way to determine if the pavement is intact. This would result in getting stuck in flood waters.
• Do not walk or swim through flood areas.
  • Downed power lines can cause electrocution.

TORNADOES

• Make a tornado emergency plan that includes a rally point in your home for safety and an emergency kit.
  • You can ask your county Extension agent for help preparing an emergency kit.
  • Take shelter immediately if you see a dark-green sky, funnel-shaped cloud, flying debris, large hail, or hear a loud roar like that of a freight train.  
  • Shelter in a basement or an inner room of your house on the lowest floor like a bathroom, closet, or hallway.
  • If possible, avoid rooms with windows.
  • Protect your head with your hands, or if possible, a blanket or bed mattress.
  • Do not shelter in a mobile home.

POWER OUTAGES

• DO NOT operate generators indoors, near windows and doors, or within 20 feet of your home.
• DO NOT connect generators directly to your home’s power supply.
• DO NOT use gas stoves or appliances to heat your home.
• Keep freezers and refrigerators closed.
• Keep phones charged and have a flashlight on hand that is easily accessible.
• USE alternate plans for refrigerators for medicines or power-dependent devices.
• Consider an alternate location for heat or cooling if it is safe.
• Check on neighbors, especially if elderly or those with young children.
• ALWAYS prioritize safety for yourself and others.
• “When in doubt, throw it out!” Do not eat food exposed to temperatures 40 degrees or above for at least two hours. If the food looks, feels, or smells bad, discard it.

ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

• Keep batteries and a weather radio on hand.
• Protect important documents in a waterproof container.
• Make an emergency plan for thunderstorms, tornadoes, flooding, and power outages.
• Follow the recommendations of officials in your area to take shelter or evacuate.

Source: Paul E. Norrod, DrPH RN, Extension specialist for Rural Health and Farm Safety

Reference: Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). (2022). Disasters and Emergencies. Ready.gov. Retrieved April 18, 2022 from https://www.ready.gov/plan

USDA and US Forest Service. (n.d.) Lightning. Retrieved April 18, 2022 from https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/know-before-you-go/lightning

This content was developed by the University of Kentucky Family and Consumer Sciences Extension service.