With the holiday coming up,I thought that I would post this:
Thunderstorm safety guide

Thunderstorms can throw one of nature's most spectacular shows, but at the same time prove to be deadly. Dangers associated with thunderstorms can include lightning, hail, heavy rain, flooding, strong winds associated with downbursts, microbursts and tornadoes.

When certain atmospheric conditions coexist, a general thunderstorm can become severe. According to the National Weather Service, a thunderstorm is classified severe when winds reach or exceed 57.5 mph or produces hail three-quarters of an inch (size of a dime) in diameter or larger.

Out of the estimated 100,000 thunderstorms that occur in the U.S. each year, only 10 percent become severe, but account for most of the damage and loss of life.

Thunderstorms typically last less than a half an hour, but at times they form into long-lasting lines, known as squall lines, or grow to become powerful supercells that can last for hours and spawn killer tornadoes.

Each state in the USA is prone to thunderstorms and the first step in staying safe is to stay tuned to the latest forecasts. If thunderstorms are possible in your area, keep up with forecasts. Plan your day accordingly, which may include postponing or canceling your outdoor activities. Severe thunderstorms might also prompt the National Weather Service to issue watches and warnings for tornadoes and floods.

When forecasters at the nation's Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Okla., determine that severe thunderstorms are possible in your area, a severe thunderstorm watch will be issued.

What to do during a thunderstorm:

Indoors:

Stay off the phone
Stay away from windows
Use flashlights if the power goes out

Discontinue use of phones and electrical equipment. You may also want to unplug appliances and computers.
Avoid taking a shower or bath. If lightning strikes your house it may send a current of electricity across metal plumbing throughout the house.


While driving:
Reduce your speed
Pull off to the shoulder of the road. Be sure you're away from tall objects, such as trees, which could fall due to wind or lightning and do not clog highway underpasses.
Turn on your emergency flashers
Remain in the car until the storm passes
Do not touch any metal objects in the car
Avoid driving on roads covered by water


Outdoors:
Stay low
If possible, find shelter in a building
Keep away from trees, tall objects, metal objects and water
Boaters and swimmer should get to land as a soon as possible
If you're in a group caught outside, spread out.
If you begin to feel your hair stand on end, this indicates lightning is about to strike. You should drop to your knees and bend forward placing your hands on your knees and crouch down. Do not lie flat on the ground, this will only make you a larger target.
:drive:

__________________
Irish---Better to be dead & cool,then alive & uncool!
(Harley Davidson & the Marlboro Man)

Thanks! Good reminders!

__________________

The practice of putting women on pedestals began to die out when it was discovered that they could give orders better from there.~ Betty Grable

If I wanted your opinion, I'd remove the duct tape and ask you for it.~ Me
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One man's dream is another man's nightmare~~~~> §¤ Lilith ¤§
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Irish,

True! Thank you.

__________________
Eudaimonia

I was just in Fla,for a week.It rained,at least,once a day!Altho not a thunder-
storm,you definately,cannot see when driving! Irish

__________________
Irish---Better to be dead & cool,then alive & uncool!
(Harley Davidson & the Marlboro Man)

I heard that if this happens to you, that you've been locked in..... toast!

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My Only Two Stories Anywhere!

Afternoon Delight

Delightful Rendezvous!

Is the love I gave her in the past, gonna be enough to last, if tomorrow never comes........

I'm so bad. I know I shouldn't be on the phone but we get so many thunderstorms here that I can't be bothered.

Thanks, Irish. Those are good reminders.

I've also heard you shouldn't use "cruise control" on wet pavements. If tires loose traction ... it can cause a rapid acceleration and loss of control. Not sure of all the why's ... just that something advised.

Of course if you assume the above position you run the risk of being struck (or should I say stuck) by me. :bsex:

Just fair warning.

__________________
Put me on wheels and I'll turn tricks.

Clever? Nah, I ran out of that years ago. But if you find this, let me know, k?
"The road goes ever on..." ~ Tolkien

In memory of my friend skip...
Go then, there are other worlds than these

Irish...

Not sure if I mentioned it lately...

But I am grateful that you are watching out for us... for me You are a wonderful friend

Hugs..

good info irish, ty.

a bunch of years ago i was driving home from work during a kick ass storm and my car was struck by lightning. freaked me right the hell out.

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Trees give peace to the souls of men * Nora Waln

The forest would be very quiet if no other birds sang than those who sing the best * Henry van Dyke

some fairly sordid tales, rambles, and anecdotes
Hypothetically Speaking * Something More * Cammy Interrupted * An Experimental Vacation * Masked * so..damn..hot * Thank You * My toy, his idea * no.19 Maple Lane * I Have A Surprise For You * Yesterday * In a Quiet Kitchen * help me decide * untitled prose * more untitled prose