Community Corner

It's Storm Season in Buford: Know These Safety Tips

If you can hear thunder, lightning is close enough to strike you.

The summer thunderstorm season will bring heavy rain, lightning, thunder and the possibility of tornadoes, storm-related deaths and damage to the Buford and Gwinnett area.

So Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services and Gwinnett County Emergency Management have provided storm safety tips.

The agencies encourage residents to take necessary precautions and monitor local weather information when there is a threat of severe thunderstorms and potential tornadoes. Report storm damage by calling 911, avoid hazardous areas and wait for responders to arrive.

If thunder can be heard, take shelter immediately. This means that lightning is close enough to strike.

Review these storm safety tips with family members.

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Take the following steps as a thunderstorm approaches: 

  • Seek shelter in a building or vehicle and keep windows closed. 
  • Avoid using electrical equipment/appliances and unplug things such as televisions, air conditioners, and computers.
  • Do not take baths or showers during storms and use as little water as possible. Water is an excellent conductor of electricity.
  • Draw blinds and shades over windows to prevent windows shattering into your home, should they be broken by blowing debris. 

If you are caught outdoors: 

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  • Attempt to seek shelter in a vehicle or building. 
  • If no structure is available, stay as low to the ground as possible. In the woods, find a group of smaller trees. Avoid standing under single tall trees. Be aware of the potential for flooding in low-lying areas. 
  • Get as small as you can by crouching on your knees on the ground.
  • Remember to avoid tall structures, such as towers, tall trees, fences, telephone lines, or power lines. Also avoid golf clubs, tractors, fishing rods, bicycles, and camping equipment. All are excellent electrical conductors. 
  • Stay away from all types of bodies of water. If you are boating or swimming, get to land and find shelter immediately.
  • If you feel your hair stand on end, which indicates that lightning is about to strike, drop to your knees and bend forward, putting your hands on your knees. Do not lie flat on the ground. 

If you are stuck in a vehicle: 

  • Find a safe place on the side of the road and pull over. Make sure there are not any trees that could blow over onto the car. 
  • Put on emergency flashers, especially during heavier rains.
  • Remain in the car, only leaving in the case of a flash flood. 
  • Watch for possible flash flooding. Should you notice the beginnings of flooding, abandon your vehicle and seek higher ground immediately.
  • Avoid flooded roadways. 

If someone is struck by lightning: 

  • Call for help. Get someone to dial 911 to alert responders.
  • Look for burn marks on the victim's body where the charge both entered and exited. 
  • Lightning strikes can also cause neurological damage, broken bones, and loss of sight or hearing.
  • Give first aid. People who have been struck by lightning can be cared for safely and do not carry any type of electrical charge. If breathing has stopped, begin rescue breathing. If the heart has stopped beating, a trained person should give CPR. If the person has a pulse and is breathing, look for and care for other possible injuries.

Source: Gwinnett County News for Neighborhoods.


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