During the Storm
- Stay calm, warm, and reassuring. Provide extra smiles, snuggles, and your presence.
- Talk through the safety plan and reassure them that they are safe and you are there to take care of them.
- If the sound of thunder is what makes your child nervous look at shandyclinic.com/ too loud for a tool kit of sensory suggestions to help your child manage loud noises.
What should you do to stay safe during a thunderstorm?
During a thunderstorm, the most important thing to do is stay safe from lightning. Lightning is a form of electricity created in the atmosphere. Standing outside during a storm, especially near metal or trees, can be very dangerous. This is why it is so important to remain inside during a thunderstorm. Stay away from windows.
Is it safe to take a shower during a thunderstorm?
If you’re already indoors when the thunderstorm hits, stay safe with these tips: Avoid showering, bathing, doing dishes, or washing your hands during a thunderstorm. Don’t use a corded telephone because lightning could strike an exterior phone line.
How dangerous is it to be outside during a thunderstorm?
THUNDERSTORM SAFETY All thunderstorms produce lightning and are dangerous. If you hear the sound of thunder, then you are in danger from lightning. Lightning kills between 75 to 100 people each year and being outdoors in the most dangerous place to be.
How long should you stay indoors during a thunderstorm?
Don’t forget the 30-30 rule. After you see lightning, start counting to 30. If you hear thunder before you reach 30, go indoors. Suspend activities for at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder.
What are 5 things to do to stay safe during a thunderstorm?
Protect Yourself from Lightning StrikesImmediately get off elevated areas such as hills, mountain ridges, or peaks.Never lie flat on the ground. ... Never shelter under an isolated tree.Never use a cliff or rocky overhang for shelter.Immediately get out of and away from ponds, lakes, and other bodies of water.More items...
What should kids do in a thunderstorm?
Tips to Help Keep Kids Calm During the StormKeep your cool. Kids tend to feed off of their parents' moods so if you remain calm, they will feel more at ease as well.If your child is interested in nature, turn the storm into a science lesson. ... Keep them busy. ... Hug it out. ... Be honest.
What are 3 safety precautions for thunderstorms?
If caught outside, take shelter in a sturdy enclosed building or hard top automobile immediately. Avoid open spaces, isolated objects, high ground and metallic objects. Get out of boats and away from bodies of water. Remember, if you can hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning.
How can I help my child not be afraid of thunder?
Our five tips may help:Recognise her fear of thunder. Instead of telling your child to not be scared, let her know you understand her fear. ... Drown out the noise of the storm. ... Use your imagination. ... Give your child time. ... Plan in advance for the storm.
What causes lightning kids?
Lightning is one of nature's most spectacular shows, and it is caused by static electricity. An electric charge is produced when raindrops in clouds freeze into ice particles and crash together. This electric charge builds up and then discharges (releases) into the atmosphere as lightning.
What is the phobia of thunder called?
Astraphobia, also known as brontophobia, is a kind of phobia characterized by an intense fear of extremely loud but natural noises in the environment. Namely, lightning and thunder.
How do I stop lightning from hitting my house?
4 Ways To Protect Your Home From LightningUse a home lightning protection system ... Unplug electronics and appliance. ... Install transient voltage surge suppressors ... Check your homeowners and renters insurance coverage
What should you not do during lightning?
During a thunderstorm, avoid open vehicles such as convertibles, motorcycles, and golf carts. Be sure to avoid open structures such as porches, gazebos, baseball dugouts, and sports arenas. And stay away from open spaces such as golf courses, parks, playgrounds, ponds, lakes, swimming pools, and beaches.
What precautions will you take during thunderstorm Class 7?
If the weather forecast calls for thunderstorms, postpone your trip or activity.Remember: When thunder roars, go indoors. ... The main lightning safety guide is the 30-30 rule. ... If no shelter is available, crouch low, with as little of your body touching the ground as possible. ... Stay away from concrete floors or walls.
What age do kids get scared of thunder?
The fact is, many kids around the age of 3 begin to experience fears.
Why are kids scared of thunderstorms?
It is not uncommon for storms to cause fear and anxiety in a child, especially our kids with sensory sensitivities. The wind, rain, loud noises, and flashes of light can cause sensory overload. This can cause a reluctance to leave the house, reluctance to go outdoors, or perpetual checking of the weather.
How do you explain thunder to a 3 year old?
As the lightning shoots through the air, it heats that air up because lightning is hotter than the sun. When air gets that hot, that fast, it explodes, which is why you hear thunder after you see lightning. Why is the thunder always after the lightning? Because thunder is a sound, and sound is a slow poke.
What should you do in a thunderstorm?
Stay Safe During Thunderstorms & LightningWhen thunder roars, go indoors! Move from outdoors into a building or car with a roof.Pay attention to alerts and warnings.Avoid using electronic devices connected to an electrical outlet.Avoid running water.Turn Around. Don't Drown! Do not drive through flooded roadways.
What happens in a tornado for kids?
A tornado is a violent rotating column of air extending from a thunderstorm to the ground. The most violent tornadoes are capable of tremendous destruction with wind speeds of up to 300 mph. They can destroy large buildings, uproot trees and hurl vehicles hundreds of yards. They can also drive straw into trees.
Is it safe to walk in a thunderstorm with an umbrella?
Thunderstorms are electrically charged. Umbrellas mostly contain metal parts which are good conductors of electricity. The electric charge form thunderstorm can move into the umbrella and cause harm to the person carrying it. Therefore, it is nor safe carrying an umbrella during a thunderstorm.
How do you explain thunder to a 2 year old?
The lightning flash heats the air around it so quickly that the air expands very fast. When you heat something, it gets bigger – it expands. The air around the lightning flash expands so fast that it makes a shock wave in the air. That shock wave is the thunder that you hear.
Growing Up in Tornado Alley
I grew up in Tornado Alley. Storm chasing teams traveled to my home area each spring. They stay in hotels until summer chasing some of the country’s worst thunderstorms.
Stay Calm
This is a hard one if you’re scared to death of storms. But, it’s an important one and you have to try it.
Teach Kids About Storms
Kids follow the actions of their leaders. But they still have many questions. Great learning opportunities await!
Activity Bag for the Storm Shelter
Life in the storm shelter can become boring for kids waiting for the storm to subside. Pack an activity bag or box willed with all kinds of goodies for the family to enjoy.
Help Kids Feel Safe to Be Safe
Because you never know when the storm will come. You never know how intense and dangerous the storm will be. But, it’s up to you to help kids feel safe during the storm.
How to protect yourself from thunder?
If there is no shelter around you, stay away from trees. Crouch down in the open area, keeping twice as far away from a tree as far as it is tall. Put your feet together and place your hands over your ears to minimize hearing damage from thunder.
How to avoid lightning storms?
IF YOU’RE INDOORS: 1 Avoid water. It’s a great conductor of electricity, so do not take a shower, wash your hands, wash dishes or do laundry. 2 Do not use a corded telephone. Lightning may strike exterior phone lines. 3 Do not use electric equipment like computers and appliances during a storm. 4 Stay away from windows and doors, and stay off porches.
How to get rid of thunder?
Keep an eye at the sky. Look for darkening skies, flashes of lightning, or increasing winds. Lightning often proceeds rain, so don’t wait for the rain to begin. If you hear the sound of thunder, go to a safe place immediately.
What does it mean when you watch a thunderstorm?
A THUNDERSTORM WATCH means a thunderstorm is possible for your area. A THUNDERSTORM WARNING means a thunderstorm is taking place in your area. IF YOU’RE OUTDOORS:
Is swimming in water safe?
Stay out of water. It’s a great conductor of electricity. Swimming, wading, snorkeling and scuba diving are not safe. Also, don’t stand in puddles.
Can you touch an injured person?
The injured person does not carry an electrical charge, so it is okay to touch them.
Can you take a shower during a storm?
Do not use a corded telephone. Lightning may strike exterior phone lines. Do not use electric equipment like computers and appliances during a storm.
What to do when a thunderstorm hits?
Avoid windows, doors, porches, and concrete. Do NOT lie on concrete floors during a thunderstorm. Also, avoid leaning on concrete walls. Lightning can travel through any metal wires or bars in concrete walls or flooring.
How to avoid lightning?
Lightning: Lightning Safety Tips 1 Avoid water#N#Do NOT bathe, shower, wash dishes, or have any other contact with water during a thunderstorm because lightning can travel through a building’s plumbing. 2 Avoid electronic equipment#N#Do NOT use your computers, laptops, game systems, washers, dryers, stoves, or anything connected to an electrical outlet. Lightning can travel through electrical systems, radio and television reception systems, and any metal wires or bars in concrete walls or flooring. Equip your home with whole-house surge protectors to protect your appliances. 3 Avoid corded phones#N#Corded phones are NOT safe to use during a thunderstorm. Do NOT use them. However, it is safe to use cordless or cellular phones during a storm. 4 Avoid windows, doors, porches, and concrete#N#Do NOT lie on concrete floors during a thunderstorm. Also, avoid leaning on concrete walls. Lightning can travel through any metal wires or bars in concrete walls or flooring.
Why can't you shower during a thunderstorm?
Do NOT bathe, shower, wash dishes, or have any other contact with water during a thunderstorm because lightning can travel through a building’s plumbing. Do NOT use your computers, laptops, game systems, washers, dryers, stoves, or anything connected to an electrical outlet.
What to do if you are caught in an open area?
If you are caught in an open area, act quickly to find adequate shelter. The most important action is to remove yourself from danger. Crouching or getting low to the ground can reduce your chances of being struck, but does not remove you from danger.
How to get out of a pond?
Never shelter under an isolated tree. Never use a cliff or rocky overhang for shelter. Immediately get out of and away from ponds, lakes, and other bodies of water.
What to do when you hear thunder?
Find a safe, enclosed shelter when you hear thunder. Safe shelters include homes, offices, shopping centers, and hard-top vehicles with the windows rolled up. Seek shelter immediately even if caught out in the open. If you are caught in an open area, act quickly to find adequate shelter.
Is it safe to stay indoors during a lightning storm?
Indoor Safety Tips. Even though your home is a safe shelter during a lightning storm, you may still be at risk. About one-third of lightning-strike injuries occur indoors. Here are some tips to keep safe and reduce your risk of being struck by lightning while indoors. Avoid water.
How long after thunder do you have to suspend activities?
After you see lightning, start counting to 30. If you hear thunder before you reach 30, go indoors. Suspend activities for at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder. If you are caught in an open area, act quickly to find adequate shelter.
What to do if no shelter is available?
Correct answer: If no substantial, non-concrete shelter is nearby, get in your car and wait out the storm.
How to get out of a pond?
Never shelter under an isolated tree. Never use a cliff or rocky overhang for shelter. Immediately get out of and away from ponds, lakes, and other bodies of water.
How to reduce the chance of being struck?
If you are caught outside with no safe shelter nearby, the following actions may reduce your risk: Immediately get off elevated areas such as hills, mountain ridges, or peaks.
What are some ways to stay away from electricity?
Stay away from objects that conduct electricity (such as barbed wire fences, power lines, or windmills).
Can you be struck by lightning while indoors?
Being indoors does not automatically protect you from lightning. In fact, about one-third of lightning-strike injuries occur indoors. Here are some tips to keep safe and reduce your risk of being struck by lightning while indoors. Avoid contact with water during a thunderstorm.
Can you protect yourself from lightning?
You can protect yourself from risk even if you are caught outdoors when lightning is close by.
What to do if you have a thunderstorm?
Prepare a disaster kit. In case of any emergency, including a thunderstorm, you should have a disaster kit prepared for your family. Depending on the severity of the thunderstorm, there could be flooding and power outages.
How to stay safe after a storm?
Stay safe after the storm has passed. Keep yourself aware of any closed roads or downed power lines or trees, and avoid those areas. Help family, friends, and neighbors who may need assistance.
Why is it dangerous to charge a phone during a storm?
Any appliances plugged into the wall — like a charging cell phone — are dangerous because power surges from lightning have the potential to cause damage.
How long should you keep a preparedness kit?
Your preparedness kit will ensure that you have the necessary supplies to take care of yourself for at least 72 hours. Your kit should include non-perishable food, water, a flashlight with extra batteries, a battery-powered radio, a first aid kit, and a can opener for food.
How long should you stay inside when you hear thunder?
If you hear thunder, get inside and stay there for at least 30 minutes after the last thunderclap. Protect yourself if you're outside. Stay away from high ground, water, tall trees, and metal objects. If you feel your hair stand on end, lightning is about to strike.
How many deaths from lightning in 2013?
Get inside. Don't make the mistake of thinking you can't get hurt in a thunderstorm. Lightning may seem far away, but it's not. In 2013, there were 23 fatalities due to lightning strikes.
Can you take a shower during a storm?
Also, plumbing can conduct electricity during a storm, so don’t take a shower, use your sink, or do laundry until it passes. Don't drive through a flooded roadway. It can be difficult to determine the depth of water so don't chance it by driving through. It's possible for your car to lose control and float away.
Stay Up-to-Date
When the sky starts to turn dark, tune into your local news or radio station for weather updates. If you hear the forecaster issue a thunderstorm watch, this means a storm is possible near you. Prepare to move to a safe location in case a storm develops. A thunderstorm warning means a storm has been spotted in your area.
Stay Safe Outdoors
If you’re outside when you hear the sound of thunder, stop what you’re doing and head to a safe place. Remember these tips:
Go Indoors if Possible
If you can go inside, do so. If you’re already indoors when the thunderstorm hits, stay safe with these tips:
Wait to Go Back Outside
By definition, all thunderstorms contain lightning. Once the rain begins to subside, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s safe to go back outdoors. Lightning can occur outside the area with the heaviest rainfall, striking the ground up to 10 miles away from the storm.
How to keep lightning from traveling?
Stay away from the windows – Windows provide a direct path for lightning to travel. Keep windows closed and stay in interior rooms away from windows.
How long after thunder do you have to wait to get outside?
Wait at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder before venturing outside. For more information on how to protect yourself from lightning, both inside and outdoors, there is a list of helpful tips on the CDC website.
How far can lightning strike?
Stay inside – Even if the weather seems to have cleared, you could still be at risk. Wait at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder before venturing outside.
How many people have died from lightning in the last 30 years?
Strikes have killed an average of 67 people a year for the last 30 years in the United States alone. While most people are struck by lightning outside, you are still at risk when indoors during a thunderstorm.
Can lightning strike your home?
Lightning can enter your home through your phone lines, striking anyone using the phone. Landline phone use, especially in rural areas, is still the leading cause of indoor lightning injuries in the U.S.
Can lightning travel through plumbing?
No matter how it enters, once lightning breach es your structure it can travel through your appliances and plumbing. Here are some tips for staying safe inside your home during a thunderstorm from our experienced electricians: Stay away from the windows – Windows provide a direct path for lightning to travel.
