Natural Disasters/Thunderstorm

Thunderstorms are a common weather event in many parts of the world. While dangerous, with proper preparation and precautions, they can be easily handled.

Preparation

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Long Term

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  • Ensure your buildings have properly installed lightning rods, and ideally a complete lightning protection system.[1]
  • Be ready for strong winds associated with thunderstorms.[2]

Just before a storm

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  • Unplug electronics prior to storm, especially if they are ungrounded.
  • Bring any animals inside, and ensure they are calmed.
  • If outside, seek shelter immediately inside a building or metal roofed car.[3]

During

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A lightning strike.

What to do

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Stay inside if possible.

Stay away from windows and avoid touching plumbing and electrical or gas appliances for the duration of the storm.[3]

Common Mistakes

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Trees

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Do not take shelter under a tree. While the tree will likely be a tall enough object to channel lightning, the resulting strike will likely harm anyone near the tree.[3]

References

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  1. "Lightning Rods". www.weather.gov. US Department of Commerce - NOAA. Retrieved 3 October 2021.
  2. "Thunderstorms". Transport Canada. Transport Canada. 19 January 2010. Retrieved 16 October 2021.
  3. a b c "Lightning Myths". www.weather.gov. US Department of Commerce - NOAA. Retrieved 3 October 2021.