For all my friends and family in the Chicago Metro area: Severe Thunderstorm Watch 300 is in effect until 1:00 am CDT For the following locations IL. Illinois counties included are Cook, Dupage, Ford, Iroquois, Kankakee, Lake, Will. How likely: very How soon: very How severe: very Recommended actions Excerpted from ready.gov Before: To begin preparing, you should build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan. Remember the 30/30 Lightning Safety Rule: Go indoors if, after seeing lightning, you cannot count to 30 before hearing thunder. Stay indoors for 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder. Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage. Get inside a home, building, or hard top automobile (not a convertible). Although you may be injured if lightning strikes your car, you are much safer inside a vehicle than outside. Shutter windows and secure outside doors. If shutters are not available, close window blinds, shades or curtains. More about what to do before thunderstorm and lightning. During: Avoid contact with corded phones and devices including those plugged into electric for recharging. Cordless and wireless phones not connected to wall outlets are OK to use. Avoid contact with electrical equipment or cords. Unplug appliances and other electrical items such as computers and turn off air conditioners. Power surges from lightning can cause serious damage. Avoid contact with plumbing. Do not wash your hands, do not take a shower, do not wash dishes, and do not do laundry. Plumbing and bathroom fixtures can conduct electricity. Stay away from windows and doors, and stay off porches. If you are driving, try to safely exit the roadway and park. Stay in the vehicle and turn on the emergency flashers until the heavy rain ends. Avoid touching metal or other surfaces that conduct electricity in and outside the vehicle. More about what to do during thunderstorm and lightning. m.fema.gov/before-thunderstorms-lightning m.fema.gov/during-thunderstorms-lightning m.fema.gov/after-thunderstorms-lightning
Posted on: Wed, 12 Jun 2013 21:56:01 +0000