HOWLETT HILL FIRE DEPARTMENT

 

 Storm Safety

(borrowed with permission of the Phoenix, (AZ.) Fire Department and modified by HHFD )

Here are some tips to help you protect yourself and your family when a big storm hits:

Outdoors

Lightning is attracted to metal and water, and tends to strike the highest or tallest objects. YOU ARE IN A STRIKE ZONE IF YOU HEAR THUNDER FIVE SECONDS OR LESS AFTER YOU SEE LIGHTNING!
Avoid wide, open areas such as fields and golf courses.
Stay off hilltops and other high points of land.
Don’t stand near trees or tall poles
Get at least 7 feet away from tall objects
Avoid metal objects such as golf carts and clubs, lawn mowers and pipes.
Get to the lowest point of ground you can, and kneel or squat to minimize your contact points with the ground.
Do not lie flat. This will make you a bigger target.
Don’t huddle with others. Spread out at least 15 feet apart.
Remove golf shoes or steel-toed boots.
If you’re out on the water, get to land.
If you’re in a pool, get out.

Downed Power Lines

Stay at least 100 feet away
If the power line has fallen on your car while you’re in it, don’t touch anything metal in the car, and stay inside until professional help arrives.
Never try to help someone trapped by a power line. You endanger your own safety. Instead, call 911 immediately.

Indoor Safety

Stay away from windows during strong winds. Tree limbs and other wind-borne objects can be a hazard.
Electrical wiring attracts lightning. Avoid using the telephone, except for emergencies.
Lighting can move through a home’s plumbing, attracted to the metal or water. Avoid using sinks and showers.
Disconnect computers, tv’s and other delicate electronic equipment. Consider attaching surge protectors to such equipment.

Driving Safety

In Rain:

Rain reduces traction and causes tires to hydroplane. Slow your speed accordingly.
Water on roads may be deeper than it looks. Watch for vehicles travelling too fast. They can throw up blinding sheets of water.
Don’t cross rain-swollen washes. You can be caught in a flash flood that can sweep your vehicle and its contents away.
Pay attention to hazard signs and roadblocks. Ignoring them threatens life and property, and can result in enforcement action by police.

Stuck in a washed out creek/stream: (Control of a vehicle is lost in 6 inches of water. Most vehicles will begin to float in 2 feet of water.)

If you have a phone, call 911.
If you can, climb onto the roof and wait to be rescued.
If the water is still low and you can wade to safety, do so, but beware of floating debris.

 

Last Modified on 10/02/2003