Connecticut is expecting severe thunderstorms in parts of the state Monday afternoon. In addition to the severe thunderstorm threat, parts of the state are also under a flood watch.
The Red Cross reminds everyone to be prepared for the threat of severe weather by following these thunderstorm safety tips:
-Put together an emergency preparedness kit
-Review the Be Red Cross Ready - Thunderstorm Safety Checklist
-Download the Red Cross Emergency App for up-to-date weather alerts, preparedness and safety information
-Listen to local news or NOAA Weather Radio for emergency updates.
-Watch for signs of a storm, like darkening skies, lightning flashes or increasing wind.
-Postpone outdoor activities if thunderstorms are likely to occur. Many people struck by lightning are not in the area where rain is occurring.
-If a severe thunderstorm warning is issued, take shelter in a substantial building or in a vehicle with the windows closed.
- Get out of mobile homes that can blow over in high winds.
-If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be in danger from lightning. If thunder roars, go indoors!
-The National Weather Service recommends staying inside for at least 30 minutes after the last thunder clap.
-Avoid electrical equipment and telephones. Use battery-powered TVs and radios instead.
-Shutter windows and close outside doors securely. Keep away from windows.
-Do not take a bath, shower or use plumbing.
-If you are driving, try to safely exit the roadway and park. Stay in the vehicle and turn on the emergency flashers until the heavy rain ends.
- Avoid touching metal or other surfaces that conduct electricity in and outside the vehicle.
-If you are outside and cannot reach a safe building, avoid high ground; water; tall, isolated trees; and metal objects such as fences or bleachers. -Picnic shelters, dugouts and sheds are NOT safe.
With the threat of flash flooding also a possibility as these storms roll through, follow these flood safety tips:
-Stay away from floodwaters. If you are walking and encounter flooding, stop, turn around and go another way.
- If you are driving, turn around and go another way. Do not attempt to drive through flooding.
-Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to see flood dangers.
-Keep children out of the water.
To learn more about storm safety, download the Thunderstorm Safety and Flood Safety Checklist and visit: redcross.org/prepare.
For more information, visit www.redcross.org. Spanish language information is available at www.cruzrojaamericana.org.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org/ct or visit us on Twitter at @CTRedCross.
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