Millions of people from the northern Plains south to the border with Mexico are under the threat of severe weather over the next few days. The American Red Cross is closely watching the situation and preparing to respond if necessary. There are also steps people should follow to help them stay safe during the storms.
The National Weather Service reports a large swath of the country could be in for severe thunderstorms capable of producing frequent lightning strikes, large hail, damaging wind gusts and tornadoes. Wind gusts could reach higher than 60 mph in some areas. Nebraska, Kansas and Oklahoma face an enhanced risk of severe storms.
The Red Cross issues these steps to help people stay safe as the storms move into their area:
Watch for storm signs, such as darkening skies, lightning flashes and increasing wind.
If thunder roars, go indoors. If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be in danger of lightning. Postpone outdoor activities if thunderstorms are likely to occur. Lightning can still be dangerous even if it’s not raining.
If a severe thunderstorm warning is issued, take shelter in a substantial building or vehicle with the windows closed.
Get out of mobile homes that can blow over in high winds. Avoid using electrical equipment and telephones. Use battery-powered or hand-crank radios instead. Keep away from windows, and don’t bathe or use plumbing.
If you are driving, try to safely exit the road and park.
Stay in your vehicle and turn on the emergency flashers until the heavy rain ends. Avoid touching metal or other surfaces that conduct electricity in and outside of the vehicle.
If you’re outside and cannot reach a safe building, avoid high ground, water, tall or isolated trees and metal objects, such as fences and bleachers.
Picnic shelters, dugouts and sheds are NOT safe places to be.
If someone has been struck by lightning, call 911.
Anyone who has sustained a lightning strike requires professional medical care. Check the person for burns and other injuries. If the person has stopped breathing, begin CPR. It’s safe to touch people who have been struck by lightning, as they don’t retain an electrical charge.
Download the free Red Cross First Aid app so you’ll know what to do if emergency help is delayed and the free Emergency app for weather alerts, open Red Cross shelter locations and safety steps for different emergencies. Choose whether you want to view the content in English or Spanish with an easy-to-find language selector. Find these and all of the Red Cross apps in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.
CLIMATE CRISIS The climate crisis is driving extreme weather across the country. Some experts say with the arrival of El Niño in the Pacific Ocean, the situation may get worse. As these extreme weather disasters increase, more people need help from the Red Cross. Find out more about the Red Cross and its work on the climate crisis here.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
Support all the urgent humanitarian needs of the American Red Cross.
Find a drive and schedule a blood donation appointment today.
Take a class and be ready to respond if an emergency strikes.
