Severe Thunderstorm Information

Severe thunderstorms often occur in the Northern Kentucky area. Understanding the risks associated with thunderstorms can be a citizen's best defense against injury.

• Keep an eye on the sky. Look for darkening skies, flashes of light, or increasing wind. Listen for the sound of thunder. 
• If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning. Go to safe shelter immediately!
• Listen to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for the latest weather forecasts.

• Find shelter in a building or car. Keep car windows closed and avoid convertibles.
• Telephone lines and metal pipes can conduct electricity. Unplug appliances. Avoid using the telephone or any electrical appliances.
• Avoid taking a bath or shower, or running water for any other purpose.
• Turn off the air conditioner. Power surges from lightning can overload the compressor, resulting in a costly repair job!
• Draw blinds and shades over windows. If windows break due to objects blown by the wind,the shades will prevent glass from shattering into your home.
   
  If Caught Outside...
• If you are in the woods, take shelter under the shorter trees. 
• If you are boating or swimming, get to land and find shelter immediately!
• Go to a low-lying, open place away from trees, poles, or metal objects.
• Make sure the place you pick is not subject to flooding.
• Be a Very Small Target! Squat low to the ground. Place your hands on your knees with your head between them. Make yourself the smallest target possible.
   

• Stay away from storm-damaged areas. 
   
• Listen to the radio for information and instructions.

• People struck by lightning carry no electrical charge and can be handled safely.
   
• Call for help. Get someone to dial 9-1-1 or your local Emergency Medical Services (EMS) number. 
   
• The injured person has received an electrical shock and may be burned, both where they were struck and where the electricity left their body. Check for burns in both places.
   
• Give first aid. If breathing has stopped, begin rescue breathing. If the heart has stopped beating, a trained person should give CPR.