Full Text
Lightning Colorado All thu Lightn 10% o Lightn Lightn Outdoo Outdo Take Reme at lea Do no Avoid Most If you or on Indoor Avoid Avoid Avoid Stay a Do no g ranks 8th in t understorms p ning can strike of people stru ning can strike ning strike vic or Lightning oors is the mo shelter in a b ember the 30- st 30 minutes ot touch anyth standing wat people struck feel your hai top of your h Lightning Sa hard-wired p using electri plumbing – w away from do ot lie on concr H the nation for produce dang e up to 10 mi uck by lightnin e in the same ctims need to Safety ost dangerous building or an -30 rule: Take s after the las hing metal ter k by lightning r stand on en ead. DO NOT afety phones cal equipmen wait until the s oors and wind rete floors Hazards number of in gerous lightni les away from ng die, and 70 e place twice – receive imme s place to be enclosed veh e cover if you t lightning flas are not in the nd or your skin T LIE FLAT O nt storm passes ows s Inform juries and de ng m rainfall 0% of survivo – or more ediate help during a light hicle hear thunder sh or thunder e rain; take sh n tingle, squa ON THE GRO s to wash you mation eaths caused ors suffer serio tning storm r within 30 se r before resum helter immedi at low to the g OUND! r hands, do d by lightning. ous long-term econds of see ming outdoor ately ground with yo dishes, showe m effects ing lightning; activity our hands beh er or do laund wait hind dry ---PAGE BREAK--- High Wind Violent down slope winds referred to as “chinooks” are common in Boulder County. These powerful winds are most common from December through May. Follow the same precautions for high winds that you would for tornados: At home or at work: Go to the basement. If there is no basement, go to an interior hallway or small interior room, on the lowest floor, such as a bathroom or a closet Avoid windows Do not remain in a trailer or mobile home when high winds and strong gusts are present. Take cover in a sturdier building or in a ditch. If you are in a high-rise building, go to the most interior rooms or hallways At school: Follow instructions of authorities/teachers. Stay out of structures with wide free-span roofs like auditoriums and gyms In a car or outside: Seek cover in a nearby building, or lie flat in a ditch or ravine Avoid seeking shelter under an overpass or bridge Winter Storms A blizzard is the most dangerous of all winter storms. It combines low temperatures, heavy snowfall, and winds of at least 35 miles per hour, reducing visibility to only a few yards. A heavy snowstorm is one that drops 4 or more inches of snow in a 12-hour period. An ice storm occurs when moisture falls and freezes immediately upon impact. Before the Storm Be familiar with winter storm watch and warning messages Service snow removal equipment and have rock salt on hand to melt ice on walkways and sand or kitty litter to generate temporary traction To keep pipes from freezing, wrap them in insulation or layers of newspaper, then cover with plastic to keep out moisture Insulate walls and attic Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside Locate water valves and know how to shut them off, if necessary ---PAGE BREAK--- During the Storm Indoors: Stay inside. If you are using alternative heat, follow fire safety guidelines and ensure proper ventilation. Close off any unused rooms. Put towels at the base of doors. Eat nutritious foods and drink plenty of fluids to provide energy and stay hydrated. Outdoors: Find shelter. If none is available, build a lean-to, windbreak or snow cave for protection from the wind. Build a fire for heat and to attract attention. Place rocks around the fire to absorb and reflect heat. Eating snow for hydration will cause your body temperature to drop; melt it first. If you are stuck in your car, run the motor for 10 minutes each hour for heat. Make sure that your tailpipe is clear of snow. Make yourself visible to rescuers by turning on the dome light at night when running the engine, or by tying a colored cloth to your antenna. Exercise periodically by energetically moving legs, arms, fingers and toes to increase circulation and body temperature. After the Storm Assist neighbors who may need assistance, such as the elderly, people with infants, or those with special needs Remove ice and snow from tree limbs, roof and other structures after the storm passes When shoveling snow, avoid overexertion. Colder temperatures add strain to the heart, and can make strenuous activity feel less tiring. Be attentive to signs of dehydration. When outdoors, wear layers of warm, loose-fitting, lightweight clothing. Layers can be removed to prevent chill. Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from extremely cold air and avoid speaking unnecessarily. Watch for signs of frostbite, such as loss of feeling and a pale appearance in fingers, toes, nose and earlobes. If these signs are present, seek immediate medical attention. Watch for signs of hypothermia, including uncontrollable shivering, slow or slurred speech, exhaustion and stumbling. If these are detected, get to a warm location, remove wet clothing and drink warm, non-alcoholic beverages. Get medical attention as soon as possible. Winter driving Winterize your car, including a battery check, antifreeze, oil level and tires. Check thermostat, ignition system, lights, hazard lights, exhaust system, heater, defroster and brakes. Snow tires are recommended, and chains may be required in certain conditions, especially in the mountains. Always keep your gas tank at least half full. ---PAGE BREAK--- Assemble a Winter Car Kit Shovel Windshield scraper Battery-powered radio Flashlight and extra batteries Water Snack food Hat and mittens or gloves Tow chain or rope Tire chains Bag of road salt and/or sand colored distress flag Booster cables Road maps Emergency reflectors Tornado Most tornadoes in Colorado occur during May, June, and July, moving from southwest to northeast, but the direction can suddenly change. TORNADO WATCH - conditions are present for a tornado Keep a radio/TV tuned for further information, and gather emergency supplies. TORNADO WARNING - a tornado has been sighted or is imminent. Take shelter immediately in a sturdy building. At home or work: Go to the basement. If there is no basement, go to an interior hallway or small interior room, on the lowest floor, such as a bathroom or a closet Avoid windows. If you are in a high-rise building, go to the most interior rooms or hallways At school: Follow instructions of authorities/teachers Stay out of structures with wide free-span roofs like auditoriums and gyms In a car or outside: Seek cover in a nearby building, or lie flat in a ditch or ravine Avoid seeking shelter under an overpass or bridge