Just For Kids

[Summer Tips] [Weather Words]

Summer Severe Weather:
Do You Know What To Do?

With severe summer weather, knowing what to do in a weather event is the key to safety and health. Stay alert - stay alive! Here are some tips:

Tornado

When a tornado threatens, take shelter immediately. Stay away from windows, doors and exterior walls. Don't waste time opening windows to keep pressure from building up in the house. It's unlikely to help anyway! In a house, go to the basement and seek shelter under a stairway or a sturdy work table. In a house with no basement, the safest spot is the ground floor in the center of the house, in a hallway, small room, closet or bathroom.

Lightning

During a thunderstorm with lightning,you are safe inside a vehicle. Don't park near or under trees or other tall objects that may topple over. Be wary of downed power lines that may be touching your car. Stay inside your vehicle; you may get a shock if you step outside.

Wind

In any strong wind storm, secure everything that might be blown around or torn loose, indoors and outdoors. Flying objects such as garbage cans and lawn furniture can injure people and damage property. Prior to wind storms, trim dead and rotting branches and trees to reduce the danger of one falling on you or your house.

Heat Waves

During summer heat waves, drop into a cool store, restaurant or theatre every so often. At home, cool down by running water on wrists, behind the knees and holding a wet towel on your neck or forehead. Also try sitting in front of a fan blowing over a bowl of ice cubes.

UV/Radiation

If your shadow is shorter than you are, you should protect yourself from the sun. Wear clothes that cover your skin such as hats, shoes, long pants, and long sleeved shirts. Protect your eyes with sunglasses that are UV rated.

Flooding

Motorists should not drive into water covering a road, especially if the water is moving, as it can hide a washed out roadway. If the car stalls in flood water, leave it immediately and wade to safety; even a little water can wash away a car.