Blog The Tuts!: Summer Weather Dangers

From extreme heat and wildfires to hurricanes and tornadoes, summer weather can be dangerous. These threats can occur with little warning, so do what you can to prepare by assembling an emergency kit and forming a plan of action.

Learn about specific types of weather dangers and what you should do if they occur:

Earthquakes – Indoors, stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls; get under a sturdy table or desk; and cover your head. If you are outside, keep away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires.
Extreme Heat – Stay indoors as much as possible and consider spending the hottest part of the day in an air-conditioned public building, such as a library or shopping mall; drink plenty of water; and limit physical exertion.
Hurricanes – If you are unable to evacuate, secure external doors and close interior doors; stay away from windows and doors; take refuge in a small, interior room, closet, or hallway on the lowest level.
Lightning – Remember the 30/30 lightning safety rule: if, after seeing lightning, you cannot count to 30 before hearing thunder, get inside a home, building, or hardtop vehicle. If you are outside, avoid tall, isolated trees; boats; the beach; open fields; and anything metal (golf clubs or carts, bicycles, motorcycles, etc.).
Tornadoes – Storm cellars or basements are best. If underground shelter is not available, go into an interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible and stay away from windows, doors, outside walls, and corners. If shelter is not available, lie flat in a ditch or other low-lying area.
Wildfires – If your home is threatened by a wildfire, you must evacuate. Be sure to bring an emergency kit that includes copies of important documents.