Safety Tips for Thunderstorms

Both Connecticut Light & Power and Gov. Dannel P. Malloy's office suggested these safety tips for before and during the expected thunderstorm or storms this afternoon and evening.

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See also:

American Red Cross checklist for thunderstorm safety (document attached to this article)

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The utility also suggests you think about family, friends and neighbors. Do you know anyone who may be vulnerable but unprepared, such as elderly friends and relatives?

A storm kit should include:

• Flashlights with spare batteries
• A battery-operated radio or TV
• First-aid kit and medications
• Canned, freeze-dried or dehydrated foods
• A manual can opener
• Bottled water
• Baby or pet supplies (if needed)
• Important phone numbers (is your phone fully charged?)

The governor's office issued these safety tips:

• Watch the sky for approaching dark clouds, increasing winds, and flashes of light.
• If thunder can be heard, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning, and you should take shelter immediately.
• Keep up to date on weather forecasts through local TV broadcasts and radio.
• Avoid using electrical equipment/appliances, and preferably unplug things such as televisions, air conditioners, and computers. Electrical lines are excellent conductors of electricity.
• Do not take baths or showers during storms, as water is an excellent conductor of electricity. Use as little water as possible during storms.
• Draw blinds and shades over windows as a precaution to prevent windows shattering into your home, should they be broken by blowing debris.
• Stay away from all types of bodies of water. If you are boating or swimming, get to land and find shelter immediately.
• Secure outdoor objects, such as lawn furniture, that could blow away or cause damage or injury.