Thunderstorm Safety, Day 2 of Severe Weather Awareness Week

Today is Thunderstorm Safety Day as part of Severe Weather Awareness Week in Forsyth County and throughout the state.

According to Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA)/Homeland Security, in 2009 there were 504 thunderstorms that rumbled across the state. These storms posed dangerous threats, including lightning, heavy rain that could cause flooding (lest we forget the floods of September 2009), strong winds, hail and the possibility of tornadoes.

“Many people underestimate the dangers that thunderstorms bring; it’s critically important to take shelter as soon as you hear thunder,” said Charley English, director of GEMA/Homeland Security in a statement to Cumming Patch.

Nearly 10 percent of thunderstorms are classified as severe meaning they have winds of 58 mph or higher, hail at least three-quarters of an inch and may produce a tornado.

GEMA reports, the greatest threats from severe thunderstorms are damaging straight-line winds and large hail. These winds can reach speeds in excess of 100 mph and produce damage similar to a tornado. They also occur an average of 19 days per year in Georgia and are most common in the spring and summer months, cropping up frequently in July.

Here are some tips on how to prepare, plan and stay informed when thunder rumbles in your area:

Prepare for Thunderstorms

• Create a Ready kit of emergency supplies in case you lose power or must remain at home.
• Familiarize yourself with the terms that are used to identify a thunderstorm hazard.  A thunderstorm watch means there is a possibility of a thunderstorm in your area.  A thunderstorm warning means a thunderstorm is occurring or will likely occur soon.
• Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall and cause injury or damage during a severe thunderstorm.

Plan for Thunderstorms

• Develop an emergency communications plan so family members know who call during severe thunderstorms.
• If a thunderstorm is likely in your area, postpone outdoor activities.
• Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage.
• Shutter windows and secure outside doors. If shutters are not available, close window blinds, shades, or curtains.
• Avoid showering or bathing during a thunderstorm. Plumbing and bathroom fixtures can conduct electricity.
• Watch for darkening skies, lightning, increasing winds.
• Go quickly inside a home, building, or hard top automobile, if possible.
• If shelter is not available, go to the lowest area nearby and make yourself the smallest target possible but do not lie flat on the ground.
• If on open water, get to land and shelter immediately.
• Things to avoid during a thunderstorm: isolated trees in an open area, hilltops, open fields, the beach, a boat on water, isolated sheds or anything metal (tractors, farm equipment, motorcycles, golf carts, golf clubs, and bicycles).

Stay Informed about Thunderstorms

• Listen to a battery-operated NOAA Weather Radio or traditional radio for the latest thunderstorm updates.
• If you are advised to take shelter, do so immediately.
• A corded telephone should only be used in an emergency, but cordless phones and cell phones are safe to use.

For more information on putting together a customized checklist of emergency supplies and a tailored family communications plan visit Ready Profiles at www.ready.ga.gov.

Tomorrow Cumming Patch will focus on Tornado Safety. There will also be a statewide tornado drill issued by National Weather Service. A test message will go out over NOAA Weather Radio at 9 a.m.