Weather safety is emphasized during Critical Days of Summer Campaign

  • Published
  • By 82nd Training Wing Safety Office
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  As part of the Critical Days of Summer, it is important that emphasis is placed on weather safety. During the summer months, it is especially important to watch for thunderstorms, high wind velocities and flooding on land and water.

Thunderstorms
When thunderstorms arise or warnings are issued, the severity of the storm may intensify more quickly than expected. It is important to be protected and out of harm's way by performing these safety precautions:
  • Go inside a home, large building or an all-metal automobile and stay there until the notice has been retracted.
  • Use a telephone for emergency purposes only.
  • Do not stand underneath a natural lightning rod such as a tall, isolated tree or telephone pole.
  • Avoid projecting above the surrounding landscape. For example, do not stand on a hilltop.
  • In a forest, seek shelter in a low area under a thick growth of small trees. In open areas, go to a low place such as a ravine or valley.
  • Get away from open water, tractors and other metal farm equipment and small metal vehicles such as motorcycles, bicycles and golf carts.
  • Avoid wire fences, clotheslines, metal pipes and rails; put down golf clubs.
  • If you are caught in a level field or in the open away from shelter, and you feel your hair stand on end, lightning may be about to strike. Drop to your knees and bend forward, putting your hands on your knees. Do not lie flat on the ground.
Flash floods
When a flash flood warning is issued for an area, or the moment a flash flood becomes imminent, act quickly because every second counts. If this situation becomes apparent follow these safety steps:
  • Get out of areas subject to flooding. This includes dips, low spots, canyons, washes, etc.
  • Avoid already flooded and high velocity flow areas. Do not attempt to cross a flowing stream on foot where the water is above your knees.
  • If driving, know the depth of water in a dip before crossing. The road bed may not be intact under the water.
  • If the vehicle stalls, abandon it immediately and seek higher ground. Rapidly rising water may engulf the vehicle and its occupants and sweep them away.
  • Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.
  • Do not camp or park the vehicle along streams and washes, particularly during threatening conditions.


High wind velocities and dense dust

If dense dust is observed blowing across or approaching a roadway, it is important to try to avoid entering the storm. If this happens while driving, move the vehicle off the pavement as far as possible and never stop on the traveled portion of the roadway. If there is no pull-off on the roadway, go a speed suitable for visibility, turn on the lights and sound the horn occasionally. Use the painted center line as a guide until there is a safe place to pull off the roadway.

Watch the skies and the sea
When boaters are out enjoying the weather, it is important they keep an eye out for steady increases in the wind or dark, threatening clouds approaching that might decrease visibility such as fog. These clouds may be associated with thunderstorms.

Listen to the radio and check radio weather broadcasts for the latest forecasts and warnings. In addition if you hear heavy static on your AM radio, that may be an indication of nearby thunderstorm activity.

If a thunderstorm builds quickly, it is important to remember that not only gusty winds but also lightning poses a threat to safety. If a situation like this occurs remember to follow these safety steps:
  • Stay below deck if possible.
  • Keep away from metal objects that are not grounded to the boat's protection system.
  • Do not touch more than one grounded object simultaneously or you may become a shortcut for electrical surges passing through the protection system.
  • Put on a life jacket and prepare for rough waters.