B A C K G R O U N D E RTHUNDERSTORMSAND LIGHTNINGEMERGENCY INFORMATION

1. Thunderstorms can bring heavy rain (which can cause flashflooding), strong winds, hail, lightning, and tornadoes. In asevere thunderstorm, get inside a sturdy building and stay tunedto a battery-operated radio for weather information.

2. Lightning is a major threat during a thunderstorm. In the UnitedStates, between 75 and 100 Americans are killed each year bylightning. If you are caught outdoors, avoid natural lightningrods such as tall, isolated trees in an open area or on the top of ahill, and metal objects such as wire fences, golf clubs, and metaltools.

3. It is a myth that lightning never strikes the same place twice. Infact, lightning will strike several times in the same place in thecourse of one discharge.

While thunderstorms and lightning can be found throughout theUnited States, they are most likely to occur in the central andsouthern states. The state with the highest number of thunderstormdays is Florida.

WHAT ISLIGHTNING?

Lightning is an electricaldischarge that results fromthe buildup of positive andnegative charges within athunderstorm. When thebuildup becomes strongenough, lightning appearsas a bolt. This flash oflight usually occurs betweenthe clouds and the ground.A bolt of lightning reaches atemperature approaching50,000 degrees Fahrenheitin a split second. The rapidheating and cooling of airnear the lightning causethunder.

WHAT ISA THUNDERSTORM?

A thunderstorm is formedfrom a combination ofmoisture, rapidly risingwarm air, and a forcecapable of lifting air, suchas the meeting of a warmand cold front, a sea breeze,or a mountain. All thunder-storms contain lightning.Thunderstorms may occursingly, in clusters, or inlines. Thus, it is possible forseveral thunderstorms toaffect one location in thecourse of a few hours. Someof the most severe weatheroccurs when a single thun-derstorm affects one loca-tion for an extended time.

DANGER ZONES

The United States supports international efforts to raise awareness that natural risks can be managed: Federal Emergency Management Agency, American Red Cross,National Weather Service, U. S. Geological Survey, Department of Energy, Corporation for National Service, U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, Small BusinessAdministration, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Department of Transportation, Department of Education, and the National Interagency Fire Center.

HELP YOUR COMMUNITY GET READYThe media can raise awareness about thunderstorms and lightning byproviding important information to the community. Here are somesuggestions:

1. 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, and the nearest hospital.

2. Interview officials with the U.S. Department of Agriculture about the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation.

3. Periodically inform your community of local public warning systems.

4. Have your meteorologist speak to elementary schools and youth groups about the dangers of thunderstorms, lightning, and hail.

5. Interview a representative of the American Red Cross about giving first aid to people who have been struck by lightning.

HOW THE PUBLIC CANHELP AFTER A DISASTER

When disaster strikes, peopleeverywhere want to help thosein need. To ensure that thiscompassion and generosityare put to good use, the mediacan highlight these facts:

Financial aid is animmediate need of disastervictims. Financialcontributions should be madethrough a recognizedvoluntary organization to helpensure that contributions areput to their intended use. Before donating food orclothing, wait for instructionsfrom local officials.Immediately after a disaster,relief workers usually donthave the time or facilities toset up distribution channels,and too often these items go towaste. Volunteers should gothrough a recognizedvoluntary agency such as theAmerican Red Cross or theSalvation Army. They knowwhat is needed and areprepared to deal with the need.Local emergency servicesofficials also coordinatevolunteer efforts for helping indisaster. Organizations andcommunity groups wishing todonate items should firstcontact local officials, theAmerican Red Cross, or theSalvation Army to find outwhat is needed and where tosend it. Be prepared to deliverthe items to one place, tellofficials when youll be there,and provide for transportation,a driver, and unloading.

DID YOU KNOW . . . At any given moment, nearly

1,800 thunderstorms are inprogress over the surface ofthe earth.

On average, the United Statesgets 100,000 thunderstormseach year. Approximately1,000 tornadoes develop fromthese storms.

Large hail results in nearly $1billion in damage to propertyand crops each year.

The power of a lightning bolt'selectrical charge and intenseheat can cause electrocution oncontact, split trees, ignite fires,and cause electrical failures.

Most deaths from lightningoccur on the East Coast.More forest fires are started inthe West since the lightningseason coincides with the dryseason there.

Approximately 10,000 forestfire are started each year bylightning. Approximately$100 million in annual lossesresult from forest and buildingfires caused by lightning.

Straight-line winds exceeding100 mph are responsible formost thunderstorm damage.