Use a NOAA Weather Radio
with a tone-alert feature to keep you informed of watches and
warnings issued in your area. The tone- alert feature will
automatically alert you when a watch or warning is issued.
If planning a trip or
extended period of time outdoors, listen to the latest forecasts
and take necessary action if threatening weather is possible.
Knowing what weather could happen helps you be prepared to respond
if necessary. Having a raincoat, umbrella, and disaster supplies
kit available will make it easier to deal with severe weather if
it occurs.
Postpone outdoor
activities if thunderstorms are imminent. Coaches of outdoor
sports teams should have a NOAA Weather Radio with a tone-alert
feature during practice sessions and games. Threatening
weather can endanger athletes, staff, and spectators. Many people
take shelter from the rain, but most people struck by lightning
are not in the rain! Postponing activities is your best way to
avoid being caught in a dangerous situation.
Keep an eye on the sky.
Pay attention to weather clues around you that may warn of
imminent danger. Look for darkening skies, flashes of lightning,
or increasing wind, which may be signs of an approaching
thunderstorm.
Stay aware of your
surroundings. Look for places you might go should severe
weather threaten.
Listen for the sound of
thunder. If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to
the storm to be struck by lightning. Go to safe shelter
immediately.