Published: February 08, 2008 03:39 pm            

Thunderstorm safety is up to you, officials say

Submitted by Whitfield County government



Thunderstorms affect relatively small areas when compared with hurricanes and winter storms. Despite their small size, all thunderstorms are dangerous because they can produce strong winds, lightning, tornadoes, hail and flash flooding. The typical thunderstorm is 15 miles in diameter and lasts an average of 30 minutes.

“Last year, at least 600 thunderstorms occurred in Georgia on about 80 separate days. The biggest threat in Georgia from severe thunderstorms is damaging straight line winds and large hail,” said Whitfield County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) Director Jeffrey Putnam.

Straight line winds can reach speeds in excess of 100 mph and produce damage similar to a tornado. These winds occur, on average, 19 days per year in Georgia. These events have occurred in every month of the year, but are most common in the spring and summer months, peaking in July.

Here is some information to help you recognize severe weather, develop a plan and be ready to act when threatening weather approaches:



To prepare for a thunderstorm, you should do the following:

Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall and cause injury or damage during a severe thunderstorm.

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.



What you should do if a thunderstorm is likely in your area:

Postpone outdoor activities.

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.

Remember, rubber-soled shoes and rubber tires provide NO protection from lightning. However, the steel frame of a hard-topped vehicle provides increased protection if you are not touching metal.

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. Plumbing and bathroom fixtures can conduct electricity.

Use a corded telephone only for emergencies. Cordless and cellular telephones are safe to use.

Unplug appliances and other electrical items such as computers and turn off air conditioners. Power surges from lightning can cause serious damage.

Use your battery-operated NOAA Weather Radio for updates from local officials.



Avoid the following:

Natural lightning rods such as a tall, isolated tree in an open area.

Hilltops, open fields, the beach or a boat on the water.

Isolated sheds or other small structures in open areas.

Anything metal — tractors, farm equipment, motorcycles, golf carts, golf clubs and bicycles.

For more information, contact Whitfield County OEM at (706) 259-3730, Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) at 1-800-TRY-GEMA, or visit these Web sites: www.gema.state.ga.us, www.srh.noaa.gov/ffc/, www.redcross.org or www.whitfieldcountyoem.com.

        

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