Media & Community Education Ideas

  • Publish a special section in your local newspaper with emergency information about thunderstorms and lightning. Place special emphasis on what people should do if they are caught outside. Localize the information by printing the phone numbers of local emergency service offices, the American Red Cross chapter, and the nearest hospitals.
  • Interview officials with the U.S. Department of Agriculture about the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation.
  • Periodically inform your community of local public warning systems.
  • Have your meteorologist speak to elementary schools and youth groups about the dangers of thunderstorms, lightning, and hail.
  • Interview a representative of the American Red Cross about giving first aid to people who have been struck by lightning.
  • Interview agents from various insurance companies about what homeowner's insurance does and does not cover in severe weather (flooding, fallen trees creating no structural damage, etc.).