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When residents of Williamson
County learned what was headed their way on May 29, 1982, many of them sought
interior shelter from the storm in such places as basements, closets, and even
bathtubs. According to Dennis McCarthy, Director of National Weather
Service Central Region Headquarters, "Many people avoided death or injury
that day by doing the right thing when they heard the warning or realized a
dangerous storm was headed their way." Thus, when a warning is
issued, it is important to take immediate action by following these
safety rules for thunderstorms and lightning, tornadoes, and flash flooding.
THUNDERSTORMS AND
LIGHTNING...
Thunderstorms pose a hazard
in a number of ways, from lightning to hail and damaging winds. Watch
for clues to an approaching storm, including increasing wind, flashes of lightning,
rumbles of thunder, and static on your AM radio. Remember, if you can
hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning.
Move to a safe shelter immediately! During a hazardous thunderstorm...
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Get inside a home, sturdy
building, or an all-metal (not convertible) automobile.
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Do not use the telephone
or electrical appliances unless in an emergency.
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Do not stand underneath a
natural lightning rod such as a tall, isolated tree or a telephone pole.
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Avoid projecting above the
surrounding landscape by standing on a hilltop, observation tower, or other
elevated object.
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In a forest, seek shelter
in a low area under a thick growth of small trees. In open areas, go
to a low place such as a ravine or valley, but watch for rising flood
waters.
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Get away from open water,
tractors and other metal farm equipment, or small metal vehicles such as
motorcycles, bicycles, or golf carts. Avoid boating and swimming.
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Avoid wire fences,
clotheslines, or metal pipes and rails. Put down your golf clubs!
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Finally, if you are caught
in a level field or in the open, away from shelter, and you feel your skin
tingle or your hair stand on end, lightning may be ready to strike you.
Crouch low to the ground with your hands on your knees. Do not lie
flat on the ground. The idea here is to get as low as possible while
minimizing contact with the ground.
TORNADOES...
Tornadoes occur most often in
the spring, but can occur any time of the year. Remain alert for signs
of an approaching tornado, including a dark green sky, large hail, a loud roar
(like a freight train), and a rotating wall cloud. When a tornado occurs,
immediate action can save your life.
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Stay away from all
windows!
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Avoid doors and outside
walls. Always protect your head! Remember that flying debris is
responsible for most tornado deaths and injuries.
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In homes and small
buildings, seek shelter in a basement. If a basement is not available,
go to an interior closet, bathroom, or hallway on the lowest floor possible.
Get underneath something sturdy.
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In schools, nursing homes,
hospitals, factories, and shopping centers, go to pre-designated shelter
areas. Interior hallways on the lowest floor are usually the safest.
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In high-rise buildings, go
to interior small rooms or hallways.
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Leave mobile homes or
vehicles and go to a substantial shelter. If there is not shelter
nearby, lie flat in the nearest ditch or depression with your hands
shielding your head. Be alert for rapidly rising waters in these low
areas!
FLASH FLOODING...
Flash flooding is a major
weather-related killer in the United States, causing more deaths per year than
thunderstorms or tornadoes. When a flash flood warning is issued for your
area, or the moment you first realize that a flash flood is imminent, act
quickly to save yourself. You may have only seconds.
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Get out of areas subject
to flooding. This includes low-water crossings, ditches, etc.
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Avoid already flooded and
high-velocity flow areas. Never attempt to cross a flowing stream on
foot.
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If driving, know the depth
of water in a low spot before crossing. The roadbed may not be intact
under the water. It only takes a few feet of water to float a car!
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If the vehicle stalls,
abandon it immediately and seek higher ground. Rapidly rising water
may engulf the vehicle and its occupants and sweep them away.
Remember, most flash flood deaths occur in automobiles!
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Be especially cautious at
night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.
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Do not camp or park your
vehicle along streams and creeks, particularly during hazardous conditions.
Following these safety
precautions when adverse weather approaches will drastically reduce your chances
for injury and could someday save your life!
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