How to Prepare for Severe Storms: A Guide + Checklist

When we think of thunderstorms, we usually don’t give them as much attention as we would hurricanes, earthquakes, and other types of natural disasters.

I believe most people would agree that lighting is fascinating to observe and look at, but its intensity is generally undermined.

The truth of the matter is that lightning is extremely dangerous and can cause damage to property and more importantly cause injury or death. Roughly 10% of lightning victims get killed. And out of the survivors, approximately 70% are left with irreversible physical and/or mental damage.

The good news is that there are ways to prevent becoming a target of lightning. We will discuss those here. As with all disasters, it’s important to take the necessary precautions in order to stay safe.

[This is a long article about becoming prepared for severe thunderstorms, so the links in the Table of Contents may help you to navigate through the page. If you don't have much time and want to dive right into the meat of this article, please click here. And don't forget to grab your free checklist at the end!]

• Worldwide, there are about 3 million lightning strikes every day and about 16 million thunderstorms per year.
  
  
• There are about 40 to 50 lightning flashes every second throughout the world.
  
  
• Out of all the states in the United States, Texas and Florida typically experience the most lightning strikes annually.
  
  
• The Empire State Building is struck by lightning around 25 times every year.
  
  
• Lightning bolts can carry 100 million volts or more of electricity and are 5 times hotter than the sun— they heat the air up to 50,000 degrees.
  
  
• Lightning kills about 2,000 people every year.
  
  
• Ninety percent of people who have gotten stuck by lightning survive the event and around seventy percent of them are left with serious life-altering injuries.
  
  
• It’s possible to get struck by lightning even if you’re indoors. The majority of indoor lightning injuries are caused by people who were using a phone.
  
  
• Thunderstorms can occur any time of year but are more common during the summer months.

Thunderstorm: Lightning and thunder are always present during a thunderstorm, and oftentimes heavy rain or hail too. A dry thunderstorm is a storm without rain. Thunderstorms are very dangerous because if you’re hit by lightning, the voltage may severely injure or even kill you.

Severe thunderstorm watch: A severe thunderstorm watch is issued when the weather conditions are highly favorable for the development of a severe thunderstorm. A watch helps the public become prepared prior to a coming storm, so they’re not taken by surprise once it develops.

Significant weather advisory: A weather advisory is declared to warn the public of a storm that is approaching. These storms typically bring in large amounts of rain and lightning, winds of under 58 miles per hour (mph), and possibly hail that is smaller than 1 inch in diameter. They are normally non-life-threatening but people should be extra cautious anyway. Significant weather advisories are considered less severe than severe weather warnings. The NOAA is the organization that issues weather advisories so you should stay tuned to their radio for the most up-to-date weather forecast.

Severe thunderstorm warning: A thunderstorm is considered severe if it meets one or both of the following criteria. It has to produce strong winds of 58 mph or higher and/ or it must produce hail that measures 1 inch in diameter or greater.

Isolated thunderstorm: An isolated thunderstorm is when only 20% or less of a forecasted area will actually experience the effects of the storm (and possible lightning) at any given time. In other words, there’s a smaller chance that the area you’re in will be affected but prepare for it anyway.

Scattered thunderstorms: During a scattered thunderstorm, the affected area is typically much larger and it’s expected that 30 to 50% of the forecasted area will experience the effects of the storm at any given time. This means that it’s possible that the periods of rain and lightning will last longer when compared to isolated thunderstorms.

Technology has advanced in a way that allows us to see where thunderstorms are happening and expected to occur in the near future.

This map shows you lightning strikes as they occur in real-time anywhere in the world. This map does a similar thing. I’m not gonna lie- these are pretty fascinating to watch!

This is another map that shows different layers of the weather, including the direction of the wind, rain, thunder, air pressure, clouds, fog, and many more filters. You can toggle the filters on and off and move the map around or zoom in/ out to view the weather in real-time all over the world.

Severe storms are scary and dangerous. To put your mind at ease, we gathered a list of the most common lightning and thunder questions and answered them for you here.

There are several things you can do to reduce possible damage and physical injury caused by a thunderstorm. These tips can help you mitigate the risk.

1. Consider the idea of protecting your home with natural lightning rods. Although lightning tends to strike taller objects, it can actually strike anywhere. Your home and property are vulnerable targets even if they’re not the highest point in your area. If you live in an area prone to thunderstorms, it would be a wise idea to install lightning rods on your roof. These rods may lessen the damage of lightning striking your home because they divert the path of the electric shock from the rod to the ground in a safe manner. Lightning rods are not effective 100% of the time, but they greatly reduce the risk of potential damage. If you’re thinking of investing in this, you should notify your local fire department first.
   
   
2. Install smoke alarms in your garage and attic. Lightning produces an intense shock of heat that is five times stronger than the surface of the sun…imagine that! If your house gets struck, there’s a chance that it can result in a localized fire. A smoke alarm is essential for detecting fire in its early stages. The attic is especially at risk because it’s a high point in the house where no one spends time in. Without an alarm, you may not see nor smell the fire in such places until it’s too late. This one thing could potentially save your home from partial or complete destruction.
   
   
3. Maintain the landscaping of your property. Remove dead trees and shrubs from your yard, including overhanging tree branches that are close to the roof. If struck by lightning, a tree can easily catch on fire, and if the conditions are right, it can spread quickly.
   
   
4. Protect your pets. Thunder and lightning may be scary for animals. If you have outdoor farm animals or pets, make sure to protect their dwelling places in the same way that you protect your home. Trim trees and remove nearby shrubbery from around their shelters and install a lightning rod if there’s a risk that lightning might strike it.
   
   
5. Develop a family emergency plan with all of your household members. Teach your children about the hazards that thunderstorms pose in your home and community, and how to respond in a safe manner. Designate a room in the home that would be the safest place for temporary shelter. Discuss a communication and reunification plan. Remember that telephone lines may become affected during the storm, thereby making it very difficult to get in touch with your family members. Cell phones will still work, but text messages may go through quicker than phone calls. Determine what procedures you will take (as a family) to get a hold of each other and reunite after a disaster occurs, considering you’re not together. Here you can learn different methods of communication that don’t require the use of a cell phone or the internet.
   
   
6. Build an emergency preparedness kit for the home. The kit you put together should include the minimum supplies for survival during the first 72 hours after the storm passes. If you’re able to shelter in place, I recommend stockpiling enough supplies for at least 14 days. This would include potable water, food, and first aid supplies, among other things. Note that heavy rainfall can cause flooding and landslides, so you’ll want to have a bug-out kit prepared in the event that you have to evacuate. Keep reading for more information on putting together an emergency kit that includes all the must-have items to survive a severe thunderstorm.
   
   
7. Review your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance. Long before an emergency, you should double-check your insurance policy to make sure that it covers damage caused by thunderstorms and lightning.
   

• Listen to the NOAA radio and television stations for storm updates and take any alerts or warnings seriously.
  
  
• Lightning may strike in places behind or ahead of the storm. Just because it’s not raining doesn’t mean that you’re not at risk. If a thunderstorm threatens, don’t do outdoor activities.
  
  
• Unplug all electronics from the outlets (at least the expensive / high-value ones). If lightning strikes your home, the surge of power may damage any electronics attached to the wall. Even if your home isn’t struck directly, a hit to the distribution grid might cause a power surge that can be strong enough to reach your house. It’s best to unplug all appliances before the storm arrives to ensure that you don’t get shocked and that your electronics don’t get fried.
  
  
• Bring in any indoor pets that may be roaming or playing outside. Comfort them during the storm.
  
  
• If bad weather is expected, make sure to secure any outdoor objects so that they don't become flying debris. Move smaller objects indoors, if possible.
  
  
• In the event of high winds, shutter windows or close window blinds.
  
  
• You could fill up your bathtub with water before the storm arrives. [Not recommended for those with small children because of the risk of downing.] This water can later be used for flushing the toilet. The water can also be used for drinking, but remember to purify it first!

If outdoors:

• You’ve probably heard of the saying, “When thunder roars, go indoors.” If you hear thunder while you’re outdoors, you’re putting yourself at risk of getting struck. Seek shelter immediately and wait for at least 30 minutes (after the last thunder clap you hear) before resuming any outdoor activities. Don’t stand out on the porch either. Try to find a sturdy building, home, or hard top automobile to take refuge in. Shopping centers and mobile homes are other options!
  
  
• A car can become a safe shelter but only if it has a hard metal top and all the windows are closed. Contrary to popular belief, the rubber tires of a vehicle don't protect you from a lightning strike but rather the metal structure conducts the electrical charge back to the ground if it gets struck. If you’re inside a car, make sure you’re not touching any metal (i.e. the doors) or electronics/ devices that are plugged into the cigarette lighter or power outlet. [PS. No pumping gas during a thunderstorm either! Here's the why.] Golf carts and all other open vehicles are not safe.
  
  
• If you’re in a boat or on open water and you see signs of a storm or hear the sound of thunder, get to land and find shelter as soon as possible. If you’re in the pool, lake, or beach, get out of the water right away and get inside an enclosed space.
  
  
• If you cannot find a place of shelter and you're caught in an open area, go to the lowest-lying area as far away as possible from isolated trees, hills, or other tall objects. You should not lie flat on the ground because you don’t want to have direct skin-to-ground contact. Instead, get into a crouching position (hopefully you’re wearing shoes!)  Stay away from open fields, baseball dugouts, and metal objects, such as picnic shelters, fences, bicycles, and even your umbrella. Being outdoors during a thunderstorm is NEVER safe.
  
  
• Avoid low areas since they can be subject to flash floods. Also, avoid any open spaces that have been submerged in flood water in the past. If a place flooded in the past, it is likely to flood again.

If indoors:

• Did you know that you can get struck by lightning even if you’re inside a home or building? Although the percentage of people getting struck inside a building is significantly smaller, it’s still a possibility. The safest place to be, when indoors, is away from the windows, outside doors, landline telephones, electrical equipment and electrical items, the plumbing system, and anything else that conducts electricity.
  
  
• Do not be in contact with water during thunderstorms. Water conducts electricity, so it is unsafe to take a shower, wash dishes, do laundry, or do any other activity that involves water. Wait until the storm passes, and then resume what you were doing.
  
  
• Do not touch concrete walls, a steel frame, metal pipes, or stand on concrete floods, and stand near glass doors.

• If your home is struck by lightning, call the fire department to go out and inspect your house for the possibility of a fire. Once that’s cleared up, call the electric company to check on your electrical system. Do this before plugging in or turning back on any appliance.
  
  
• If someone near you was hit by lightning, call 911 immediately on a cell phone, not a corded telephone. Follow the operator’s instructions until help arrives. A person that is struck will not retain the charge, so you can touch them.
  
  
• Check on your pets, especially the ones that live outdoors.
  
  
• Inspect your home for possible damages. If damages have occurred, make sure to take clear photos so you can show proof to your insurance company.
  
  
• Stay tuned to the NOAA weather radio and local news. There’s a high possibility of flash flooding and landslides after periods of rain, especially intense ones. If flooding becomes a threat, get to higher ground. Never walk or drive through flooded areas because the current can sweep you away. Pay close attentions to warnings and alerts from the local authorities. 
  
  
• Depending on the severity of the storm, you may face power outages. Make sure you’re prepared for that. Follow the tips presented here for more information. Keep your electronic equipment unplugged until the power is restored to prevent power surges from damaging them.
  
  
• Do not get near downed power lines because they may still be charged! Make sure to call the electric company right away and they will take care of it. Meanwhile, warn other passerby's to steer clear.
  
  
• If you're in need of special assistance, contact organizations in your area (i.e. American Red Cross) that are there to help. 

• NOAA Weather Radio: Whether you buy the radio online or you download the app on your phone, the NOAA weather station is your best bet for updated alerts related to severe storms. 

• Download the Storm Shield Severe Weather App: This app tracks your exact location to provide you with the most accurate weather alerts possible.

• Smoke detectors: Install one in your attic, garage, and any other vulnerable room you don’t frequent often. Learn how to choose the best smoke detector for your home here!

• Potable water: During thunderstorms, it’s highly recommended not to touch any part of the plumbing system because water conducts electricity. Having a backup container of water, such as a tank, will assure that you have water for drinking and food prep.
  
  If another disaster occurs because of a thunderstorm, such as flooding or tornadoes, wells, and the city water may become compromised. Have enough clean water and a method of purification (tablets, bleach, a LifeStraw, etc) to last you at least 14 days. Remember to stockpile one gallon of water per person in your household per day.

• A variety of long-term food: Food should be the next most important item in your emergency kit. Just like it’s recommended with food, it would be prudent to stockpile enough food to last your family 14 days.
  
  Some buckets, like these ones, are ideal because you don’t have to worry about food spoilage for the next 20 or more years. It gives you the peace of mind you need. Plus, they are made with real ingredients!
  
  You don’t have to worry about genetically modified junk. Rest assured that these meals will provide you and your loved ones with the nutrients you need to thrive in times of disaster.

• Method of preparation and plasticware: In order to prepare a hot meal and a few cups of coffee, you need a safe heating source. Luckily, we have a solution for you! This stove and fuel kit is convenient because the fuel can be safely used indoors and outdoors without the risk of toxic fumes filling the air.
  
  Remember to include plastic ware, such as plates, cups, forks, etc, and several black trash bags in your kit as well. These options make cooking easy and cleaning up even easier!

• A flashlight and batteries: If a severe storm knocks out the power for a while, have a backup light source. This can be a flashlight or a headlamp, whichever you feel is more convenient. Store spare batteries!

• A complete first aid kit: Have a first aid kit accessible with all the basic supplies to take care of any minor injuries. Since emergency response teams might not be readily available immediately after a major disaster, your first aid kit should contain the necessary items to protect wounds until medical personnel is available to assist you.

• A bug-out kit: If flooding or landslides occur after a severe thunderstorm, you may have to evacuate. Have a bug-out kit, or evacuation kit, ready for each member of the household. Remember to include important items for your kids, elderly loved ones, and those with disabilities under your care, as well as pets.

• Important documents: The recovery process after a disaster takes time, but it will take much longer if you don’t have copies and proof of your important documents. Check out this post to read about the documents you should protect!

• A toilet and sanitation kit: During a thunderstorm, you risk becoming electrocuted if you’re touching water and/or plumbing fixtures. Do not wash your hands or bathe during the storm. Have other sanitation methods in place for the meantime.
  
  Also, in the event of a power outage, your plumbing system may become compromised. Maintaining proper sanitation is key during any disaster. This toilet kit ensures that your #1 and #2 are safely disposed of when there’s no running water.

• A fire extinguisher: It’s a good idea to have a few fire extinguishers around your house in case of any emergency, especially during a thunderstorm. If lightning causes your house, or a tree nearby, to catch on fire, you’ll be the first on the scene to put it out. Call the fire department or 911 for backup assistance of course, but at least do what you can to prevent it from spreading.

• Portable generator: A thunderstorm produces lightning and usually strong wind gusts and large hail that can destroy electrical wires and cause an outage. In the event of a long-term power outage, it could be very helpful to have a small generator to power back up electrical appliances and electronic devices.

Print the severe storm supplies checklist and safety tips below. Keep this information in your emergency kit so it's handy when you need it the most.

Thunderstorms can cause power outages, fires, flooding, landslides, hail stones, and tornadoes, among other damage. You should become prepared for each of the disasters mentioned, especially if you live in a high-risk area.

• To learn more about power outage preparedness, click here. 
• For more information on becoming prepared for floods, click here. 
• To learn how to mitigate landslides and stay safe in the event of, click here. 
• For tornado preparedness strategies, click here. 

Remember to make a communication plan with your family. Here are some ways you can get in touch with your loved ones if your phone or the internet is not working. 

Do you have your valuable documents in a safe place? I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to have your documents in the same place (preferably with your evacuation kit) and properly sealed in a waterproof container. This one step will make retrieving any necessary information about your family, property, and insurance quick and easy. With these documents in hand, the recovery process can begin much faster.

I hope this page provided you with lots of useful information! If you found it helpful, we would love for you to spread the word and share it with someone who you think can also benefit.

Thanks for your support. 🙂