Safety Tips: Inclement Weather

• Prepare an emergency kit with essentials such as non-perishable food, water, medications, batteries and a flashlight. Consider any specific needs for your family or pets
• Protect your home by elevating electrical appliances and storing important documents in waterproof containers to minimize damage in case of flooding. Clear gutters and drains of debris to prevent flooding
• Find safe shelter in an interior room on the lowest floor, away from windows and exterior walls
• Stay away from open windows, doors or patios during a thunderstorm
• Unplug all unnecessary appliances to prevent power surges
• Avoid using the telephone during a storm unless it's an emergency
• Don't take a bath or shower during a thunderstorm

• Check your windshield wipers and headlights before leaving home
• Turn on your headlights as soon as it starts raining to improve visibility
• Reduce your speed and increase following distance (the space between you and the car ahead) to avoid accidents
• If conditions become too dangerous, pull over to a safe location and wait out the storm
• Never drive or walk around road barriers as they are there for your safety
• Avoid large puddles, which may hide debris, or deep water that can disable your vehicle. If you must drive through water, go slowly and dry your brakes afterward by pressing on them gently. Never attempt to cross fast-moving water or drive through flooded roads, as water depth can be deceptive and dangerous. More than half of the deaths from flooding each year occur in vehicles. Turn around, don’t drown
• Don’t underestimate the power of water. 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult. It takes just 12 inches of rushing water to carry away a small car, while 2 feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles
• Stay away from downed power lines and electrical wires. Electrocution is also a major killer in floods as electrical current can travel through water. Report downed power lines to Florida Power and Light's customer service number at 305-442-8770
• Do not play or stand in floodwater. If water is stagnant for extended periods, there is a potential for contamination

Florida is the lightning capital of the U.S., with more lightning-related deaths and injuries than any other state. According to the National Weather Service, on average, 25 million lightning strikes occur nationwide each year, causing over 500 injuries and 20 deaths.

• Use the 30-30 Rule when you see lightning by counting until you hear thunder. If that time is 30 seconds or less, seek shelter immediately because the storm is close enough to be dangerous
• When outside, avoid being the tallest object
• Don't stand under or near an isolated tree or small group of trees
• Find a sturdy structure to shelter in before the storm approaches
• Get out of boats and away from water
• If a sturdy shelter is unavailable, get inside a hard-topped vehicle and keep the windows up
• If you feel your skin tingle or your hairs stand on end, squat low to the ground on the balls of your feet. Place your hands on your knees with your head between them. Make yourself the smallest target possible, minimize your contact with the ground, and do not lie flat on the ground
• If someone is struck by lightning, call 911 immediately

• Never remove manhole covers. Removing them can inundate sewage pipes and overwhelm sewer facilities. It can also suck in people and debris, which can cause drowning and loss of life

Hurricane season runs from June to November. If you’re visiting South Florida, plan accordingly.

• Stay informed about severe weather risks that could disrupt your travel plans
• Check with airlines, hotels and travel providers for possible cancellations or emergency procedures

• Pay attention to any instructions from local authorities and be ready to evacuate if advised
• Monitor weather updates through trusted sources such as weather apps, news channels and emergency alerts. Stay connected via local media and verified social media platforms for the latest updates from public safety officials

By staying prepared and informed, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from the dangers of inclement weather. Plan ahead, stay safe and make smart choices when storms strike.