Lightning is a leading cause of injury and death from weather-related hazards. Although most lightning victims survive, people struck by lightning often report long-term, debilitating symptoms. Thunderstorms are dangerous storms that can include lightning, hail, powerful winds over 50 MPH, cause flash flooding and can produce tornadoes.

If you are in a thunderstorm warning, find safe shelter right away, and follow these tips:

• When thunder roars, go indoors!
• Move from outdoors into a building or car.
• Pay attention to alerts and warnings.
• Unplug appliances.
• Do not use landline phones.

You can prepare now:

• Create an emergency plan so you and your family know what to do, where to go and what you will need to protect yourselves.
• Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.
• Identify nearby, sturdy buildings close to where you live, work, study and play.