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Severe Storm Season is Upon Us

Severe Spring and Summer storms bring tornadoes, flooding, and lightning to many states across the country.  The Springfield Fire Company wants you to be prepared in the event of a storm, and especially the lightning which often accompanies it.  We offer some important safety tips to consider:

• Keep an eye on the sky.  Look for darkening skies, flashes of light, or increasing wind.  Listen for the sound of thunder.   If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning.

• Listen to NOAA Weather Radio, The Weather Channel, or local television news for the latest weather forecast.

• Find shelter on the lowest floor of a sturdy building when a storm approaches.  If you cannot get inside to shelter, squat low near the ground in an open area.  Lying flat on the ground is not recommended, because it puts more of your body in contact with the ground, an excellent conductor of electricity from lightning.

• Turn off the air conditioning.  Power surges from lightning can overload the compressor, resulting in a costly repair job.

• Draw blinds and shades over the windows.  If windows break due to objects blown by the wind, the shades may prevent glass from shattering into your home.

• If you are in a vehicle during severe weather and conditions are right for a tornado, get out of the vehicle and find sturdy shelter elsewhere.

• People struck by lightning carry no electrical charge and can be handled safely.  If someone is struck, dial 9-1-1.  The injured person has received an electrical shock and may be burned.  If the heart has stopped beating, a trained person should give CPR.

Severe storms can happen quickly and sometimes without warning.  The Springfield Fire Company urges Springfield residents to get ready for severe storms now, while they have time to prepare.  We also suggest taking an American Red Cross CPR course.  For additional information on preparing for severe storms, tornadoes, and other disasters, or to find out about CPR class schedules, residents can contact the American Red Cross.

    American Red Cross - Southeastern Pennsylvania

    General Information - Delaware County Branch: (610) 566-4580

    CPR Class Information: 1 (800) 42-CROSS

    Red Cross Emergency Operator: (215) 299-4000