Thunderstorm Preparation
To prepare for a thunderstorm, you should do the following:
  • Prepare to execute your family's emergency plan.
  • Build an emergency kit.
  • Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall and cause injury or damage during a severe thunderstorm.
  • Postpone outdoor activities.
  • Secure outdoor objects, such as lawn furniture, and bring light objects inside to avoid loss or damage.
  • Shutter windows and secure outside doors. If shutters are not available, close window blinds, shades or curtains.
  • Unplug any electronic equipment well before the storm arrives.
  • Get inside a home, building or hard top automobile (not a convertible or golf cart). Although you may be injured if lightning strikes your car, you are much safer inside a vehicle than outside.
Remember:  Rubber-soled shoes and rubber tires provide NO protection from lightning. However, the steel frame of a hard-topped vehicles provides increased protection if you are not touching metal.

Be prepared.
  • Monitor NOAA alerts or listen to local radio or TV stations for up-to-minute thunderstorm information.
  • Make sure your emergency supply kit is ready and accessible.
  • Mark escape routes from each room on a floor plan of your home.
  • Establish a place to meet in the event of an emergency.
  • Identify safe shelter.
    • A safe shelter is a fully enclosed vehicle or a shelter that has four walls and a roof. Examples of safe shelters include homes, offices, shopping centers and hard-top vehicles with windows rolled up.
    • Open vehicles (such as convertibles, golf carts, and motorcycles) and open structures (such as proches, gazebos, baseball dugouts, and sports arenas) are NOT safe during a lightning storm.
    • Do not lie on the ground or seek shelter under a tree.
Caring for pets.
Your pets cannot protect themselves; it is your responsibility to help protect them. To help protect your pet from lightning:
  • Bring your pet indoors. Do not leave your pet outdoors or chained to a tree during a lightning storm. Doghouses are not safe shelter; bring your pet inside.
  • Remove any metal collars, leashes or harnesses and replace with plastic. Even though metal does not attract electricity, it is a good conductor. If your pet is struck by lightning, the metal can cause burn.s
Plan for your pet's needs in case you must evacuate your home:
  • Identify shelter. Find pet-friendly shelters in your area.
  • Make sure your pet has proper ID and up-to-date veterinary records.
  • Keep a pet carrier and leash.
  • Include pet supplies in your kit.
    • 3 day's worth of canned (pop-top) or dry food (be sure to rotate every two months)
    • 3 days' worth of bottled water
    • Liquid dish soap and disinfectant
    • Disposable garbage bags
    • Extra collar or harness, extra leash and a muzzle
    • Photocopies of medical records and a waterproof container with a two-week supply of any medicine your pet requires.
    • A traveling bag, crate or study carrier, ideally one for each pet.
    • Cage liners.
    • Flashlight
    • Blanket (for scooping up a fearful pet)
    • Recent photos of your pets (in case you are separated and need to make "Lost" posters)
    • Toys and other comfort items that may help your pet feel safe.
Make proper arrangements for livestock (e.g., identification, evacuation, shelter, food, water).