Prepare Yourself For Severe Weather

Here is Georgia we can expect to get some severe weather at times, frequently in the summer months.  In June of 2003, a severe thunderstorm brought golf ball-sized hail, swelling rivers, creeks, and lakes, and winds that downed trees and power lines.  A 250 ft. galvanized steel cell phone tower atop of Sand Mountain in Dade County was toppled by extremely high winds, and concrete pilings that had been buried 29 feet underground were pulled up like weeds. 

The worst damage from severe thunderstorms is generally caused by straight-line winds and large hail.  Straight-line winds can reach speeds in excess of 100 mph and produce damage similar to a tornado.  On average, these winds occur about 19 days a year in our state.  They can occur in any month of the year, but are most common in the spring and summer months, peaking in July.

Another by-product of a thunderstorm, is the lightning, which occurs particularly in the spring and summer months.  Lightning kills an average of 100 people a year throughout the United States.  Lightning kills more people on average every year than tornadoes, floods or hurricanes. 

Below is a list of ways to prepare for bad weather, a thunderstorm plan, and how to stay informed in case of bad weather. 

Be Prepared for Dangerous Weather

• Know the difference between severe thunderstorm watch and severe thunderstorm warning
  • A thunderstorm watch means that there is a possibility of a thunderstorm in your areao     
  • A thunderstorm warning means that a thunderstorm is occurring or will likely occur soon.  If you are advised to take shelter, do so immediately. 
• Make sure to remove and dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall and cause injury or damage during severe weather.
• Remember the 30/30 Safety Rule for Lightning.  “Go indoors if, after seeing lightning, you cannot count 30 before hearing thunder.  Stay indoors for 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder.
  

Have a Severe Weather Plan

• If you are aware that a thunderstorm likely to hit in your area, postpone any outdoor activities.
• Any outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage should be secured.
• Secure outside doors and shutter windows.  If shutters are not available, close window blinds, shades or curtains.
• Avoid showering or bathing during a thunderstorm.  Plumbing and bathroom fixtures can conduct electricity.
• Watch for darkening skies, lightning and increasing winds.
• Find shelter quickly inside a home, building or hard top automobile, if possible.
• If shelter is not available, go to the lowest area nearby and make yourself the smallest target possible but do not lie flat on the ground.
• If you are on open water, get to land and shelter immediately.
• Things you should avoid:
  • Tall, isolated tree in an open area
  • Open fields, the boat on water, open beach area, hilltops, isolated sheds or other small structures in open areas.
  • Anything metal!  Tractors, farm equipment, golf carts, golf clubs, motorcycles and bicycles.
    

Always Stay Informed

• Listed to a battery operated radio or NOAA Weather Radio for the latest updates.
• Take shelter immediately, if advised.
• Do not use electrical items such as computers or television sets as power surges from lightning can cause severe damage.
• A corded telephone should only be used in an emergency, but cordless phones and cell phones are safe to use.