Air Force Safety Center

Ground Safety Division, Contractor

Kirtland AFB, N.M.

always be taken with storms. When a storm strikes, you must be prepared for everything it brings, including rain, hail, wind, lightning, tornadoes, floods and other hazards caused by these natural occurrences. Will you know what to do when severe weather strikes? Even if you think you have the answer to this question, review these provisions and warning signs as a refresher.

• Watch for signs of an approaching thunderstorm.

• Postpone outdoor activities if thunderstorms are imminent. This is your best way to avoid being caught in a dangerous situation.

• If you can hear thunder, you’re close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning.

• Move to a sturdy building or hardtop automobile.

• If safe shelter is not available, find a low spot away from trees, fences and poles.

• Squat low to the ground on the balls of your feet, and place your hands on your knees with your head between them, making   

  yourself the smallest target possible.

• If boating or swimming, get out of the water to land and find shelter immediately

• Really dark, often greenish sky.

• Hail or heavy rain followed by either dead calm or a fast, intense wind shift.

• Strong, persistent rotation in the cloud base, often in a funnel shape.

• Loud continuous roar that doesn’t fade in a few seconds like thunder.

If these signs exist, go to a designated shelter area such as a safe room, basement, storm cellar or the lowest building level away from corners, windows, doors and outside walls. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Get under a sturdy table and use your arms to protect your head and neck. Don’t open windows.

• Get out of areas subject to flooding. This includes storm drains, viaducts, arroyos, canyons, washes and ditches.

• Stay away from flooded and high-velocity flow areas.

• Don’t attempt to cross flowing streams. If you come upon a flowing stream where water is above your ankles, turn around and go

  another way.

• If driving, be aware that the road bed may not be intact under flood waters. Never drive through flooded roads!

• Be especially cautious at night when it’s harder to recognize flood dangers.

• Keep your distance from power lines and puddles with wires in them; they may still be carrying electricity.

• Keep away from areas with broken glass, nails and other sharp objects. Keep out of any heavily damaged houses or buildings;   

  they may collapse at any time.

• Don’t use matches or lighters in case of nearby leaking natural gas pipes or fuel tanks. Remain calm and alert, and listen for

   information and instructions from emergency crews or local officials.