Thunderstorms are one of the most dangerous weather events and can cause many injuries. They produce hail and strong winds that can knock down trees, blow away vehicles and damage buildings.
During a thunderstorm, the best way to stay safe is by staying inside and avoiding open spaces where lightning can strike you. It is best to shelter in a large, enclosed structure with plumbing and electrical wiring, like a shopping center, school, office building or private home.
A vehicle enclosed like an automobile, van, or school bus is an option if buildings are not available. Make sure you turn on your emergency flashers and that you remain inside the vehicle for 30 minutes after the last thunder or lightning sound.
A hard-top vehicle with steel frame provides increased protection from lightning. Rubber-soled shoes, tires and other footwear do not offer protection against lightning. However the steel frame in a hard top vehicle will give you more resistance to the dangerous ground current that can occur during thunderstorms.
You should make sure that everyone in the household is aware of how to keep safe in a storm, and what to do if a severe thunderstorm is predicted. You can teach them how to dial 9-1-1 to report power outages and which radio station to listen to for emergency information.
You should have disaster supplies ready in case there is a severe storm. This should include a flashlight, portable battery-operated radio, extra batteries, first aid kit, emergency food and water, nonelectric can opener, essential medicines, cash and credit cards and sturdy shoes.
Prepare your house for a storm. Seal any cracks or openings that might allow water to enter the home. Unplug all electronics (such as radios, televisions, and computers) that may work automatically after power has been restored. To avoid power surges, make sure you turn off electricity and gas before the storm hits.
To avoid contact with the ground and be as small as possible, practice a "crouching down" position outside in a thunderstorm. Crouching down on the balls of your feet, placing your hands on your knees and lowering your head to make yourself the smallest target possible will reduce the likelihood that you will get struck by lightning.
Take precautions to protect yourself from lightning by securing outdoor objects that can be blown away during a storm, such as patio furniture and children's toys. Make sure to secure doors and windows.
Maintain a clean yard and property free of any branches or trees that have fallen during severe storms. Branches can fall through open windows or doors and cause damage.
Sign up for local weather warnings to be alerted of severe weather and possible thunderstorms. Listen to your local radio station for the latest information, or go to the NOAA website for more information on how you can prepare for a storm.
Stay away from any tall objects, such as trees trunks and poles that can be used as lightning rods, when you are outdoors during a storm. You can also crouch below the lowest point of open space to avoid lightning strikes.
FAQ
What is the difference of a folding and fixed-blade knife, you ask?
Folding knives can be folded compactly so they fit in a backpack or pocket. When not being used, the blade collapses.
Fixed-bladed knives can be used during normal use. They usually have longer blades than folding knives.
Fixed-blade knives are stronger but more difficult to transport.
Why is basic survival skills so important?
Basic survival skills include being able to shelter yourself, make fire, shelter, hunt and fish. These skills are critical no matter where one lives, but they are especially important when travelling alone or in remote regions.
These skills include self-defense, navigation and communication as well as wilderness medicine. They are crucial life-saving and must be understood before venturing in the unknown.
You may also need to have other skills in order to be useful away from your home. For instance, if your plans include hiking through the mountains, then you will need to know some mountaineering methods. If you want camping in the desert, you will need to know how to survive in extreme temperature. There are many ways you can prepare for any situation. So don't be afraid of trying new skills.
What are some basic survival skills in the wild environment?
You must know how to start a fire when living off the land. It's not just a matter of lighting a match; you must learn how to start a fire using friction and flint. You must also know how to not get burned by the flames.
You need to know how shelter is built from natural materials such leaves, grasses and trees. For warmth at night you will need to learn how to best use these materials. You'll also need to know how much water is necessary to survive.
Other Survival Skills
While these things can help you live longer, they won't be as important as learning how to light a flame. Although you can eat many different types of plants and animals, if your fire is not lit, you will be unable to cook them.
Also, you will need to be able to identify edible and non-edible food sources. You may become sick or die if this is not known.
Statistics
- so you can be 100 percent hands-free, and there's less chance you'll put your torch down and lose it. (nymag.com)
- The downside to this type of shelter is that it does not generally offer 360 degrees of protection and unless you are diligent in your build or have some kind of tarp or trash bags, it will likely not be very resistant to water. (hiconsumption.com)
- Not only does it kill up to 99.9% of all waterborne bacteria and parasites, but it will filter up to 1,000 liters of water without the use of chemicals. (hiconsumption.com)
- Without one, your head and neck can radiate up to 40 percent of your body heat. (dec.ny.gov)
External Links
How To
How to Build an Lean-To Shelter
You will find lean-tos all over the United States. They are made from wood or steel poles covered by tarps. The roof is usually added after the walls, ceiling, and floor are built.
A lean-to is a temporary shelter constructed at the side of a building when the weather does not permit the construction of a permanent shelter. You may also call it a "lean to shed", "lean–to cabin," or "lean–to house".
There are many types of lean-tos, including:
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Simple wooden frame covered with tarpaulin. This type of lean-to is commonly seen in rural areas.
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Lean-to tent is a structure of poles supporting a roof that houses a tarpaulin.
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A leaning-to cabin, also called a "cabin - on-frame", is made up of a platform supported and supported by beams or posts.
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A lean to shed, also known as "shelter–on-a-pole” or "paddock shed", is a structure of poles and supports that has a cover.
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A lean-to garage also called a "garage-on-stilts" or "overhang," consists of a steel framework resting on concrete stilts.
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A leaning studio, also known as "studio -on–a-frame" or simply "studio -on–a-post", is made up of a framework with two parallel horizontal members ("posts”) and one perpendicular component (beam).
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A lean-to greenhouse, also called a "greenhouse-on-a-post," consists of three parallel horizontal members (posts), one perpendicular member (beam), and a canopy.