This summer’s weather should be a reminder that it’s important to know what to do during severe storms.
Last Friday’s thunderstorm produced high winds that knocked out power, downed trees and fences and caused damage to structures. We were lucky. It could have been worse.
Thunderstorms can produce straight-line winds that exceed 100 miles per hour. The strong rush of wind from a thunderstorm is called a downburst, according to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. Strong downbursts can be mistaken for tornadoes. They are often accompanied by a roaring sound similar to that of a tornado. Downbursts can easily overturn mobile homes, tear roofs off houses and topple trees. Campers are especially vulnerable because trees can fall into campsites and onto tents.
Lightning kills about 100 Americans each year — more than tornadoes —and causes about 300 injuries, according to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning.
The following are safety tips to practice during thunderstorms:
• Move to a sturdy building or car. Do not take shelter in small sheds, under isolated trees, or in convertible automobiles. Stay away from tall objects such as towers, fences, telephone poles, and power lines.
• If lightning is occurring and a sturdy shelter is not available, get inside a hard top automobile and keep the windows up. Avoid touching any metal.
• Utility lines and metal pipes can conduct electricity. Unplug appliances not necessary for obtaining weather information. Avoid using the telephone or any electrical appliances. Use phones only in an emergency.
• Do not take a bath or shower during a thunderstorm.
• If caught outdoors, find a low spot away from trees, fences, and poles. If you are in the woods, take shelter under the shorter trees. If you feel your skin tingle or your hair stand on end, squat low to the ground on the balls of your feet. Place your hands over your ears and your head between your knees. Make yourself the smallest target possible and minimize your contact with the ground. Do not lie down.
Practicing these steps can help keep people safe during this stormy summer season.