Thunderstorm/tornado

In the United States lightning kills 300 people and injures 80 on average, each year. All thunderstorms produce lightning and all have the potential for danger. Those dangers can include tornadoes, strong winds, hail, wildfires and flash flooding, which is responsible for more fatalities than any other thunderstorm-related hazard.

Lightning's risk to individuals and property is increased because of its unpredictability. It often strikes outside of heavy rain and may occur as far as 10 miles away from any rainfall. Most lightning deaths and injuries occur when people are caught outdoors in the summer months during the afternoon and evening.

Tornado warning testing

UNL joins Lincoln/Lancaster County Emergency Management in testing all tornado-warning systems on the first Wednesday of each month at approximately 10:15 am. The test will end within 5 minutes. Tests will not be conducted when there is a threat of severe weather.

In the event of a tornado warning:

Lancaster County Emergency Management will activate emergency sirens upon confirmation of a tornado. All university personnel are directed to seek shelter upon activation of the sirens. The sirens will remain activated until the threat of a tornado is over. More on UNL's tornado warning policy is at http://bf.unl.edu/policepolicy/TornadoWarning.shtml

Where available, the university may provide supplemental notification of LCEM tornado warnings through one of the following methods:

• Amplified voice announcements over the public address system. Intermittent fire alarm bells/tones of 5 seconds on and 5 seconds off for 3 minutes (used for notification of warnings).
• Multicast to radio user groups.
• A pager held by the Building Maintenance Reporter.

Preparing For A Thunderstorm And Lightning

Familiarize yourself with the terms that are used to identify a thunderstorm hazard, including understanding the difference between a severe thunderstorm watch and a severe thunderstorm warning.

A thunder storm watch means there is a possibility of a thunderstorm in your area.

A thunder storm warning means a thunderstorm is occurring or will likely occur soon. If you are advised to take shelter so immediately.

Get an emergency supply kit.

Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall and cause injury or damage during a severe thunderstorm.

Use the 30/30 lightning safety rule. If you see lightning and you cannot count to 30 before hearing thunder, go indoors. Then stay indoors for 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder.

Have A Thunderstorm Plan

If a thunderstorm is likely in your area, postpone outdoor activities.

Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage.

Shutter windows and secure outside doors.

Avoid showering or bathing during a thunderstorm. Plumbing and bathroom fixtures can conduct electricity.

Watch for darkening skies, lightning, increasing winds.

Listen to NOAA Weather Radio for information.

Go quickly inside a home, building, or hard top automobile, if possible.

If shelter is not available go to the lowest area nearby and make yourself the smallest target possible but do not lie flat on the ground.

If on open water, get to land and shelter immediately.

Things to avoid include:

• Tall, isolated tree in an open area.
• Hilltops, open fields, the beach, a boat on the water, isolated sheds or other small structures in open areas. Anything metal—tractors, farm equipment, motorcycles, golf carts, golf clubs, and bicycles.

Tornadoes

Tornadoes are nature's most violent storms. They can appear suddenly without warning and can be invisible until dust and debris are picked up or a funnel cloud appears. Planning and practicing specifically how and where you take shelter is a matter of survival. Be prepared to act quickly. While tornadoes are more common in the Midwest, Southeast and Southwest, they can occur in any state and at any time of the year, making advance preparation vitally important.

Prepare For A Tornado

A tornado watch means a tornado is possible in your area. You should monitor NOAA Weather Radio local radio and television news outlets for the latest developments.

A tornado warning is when a tornado is actually occurring, take shelter immediately.

Determine in advance where you will take shelter in case of a tornado warning.

Storm cellars or basements provide the best protection.

If underground shelter is not available, go into an interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible.

In a high-rise building, go to a small interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible.

Stay away from windows, doors and outside walls. Go to the center of the room. Stay away from corners because they attract debris.

A vehicle, trailer or mobile home does not provide good protection. Plan to go quickly to a building with a strong foundation, if possible.

If shelter is not available, lie flat in a ditch or other low-lying area. Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location.

Plan to stay in the shelter location until the danger has passed.

Get a kit of emergency supplies. Store it in your shelter location.

Visit NOAA Watch for more weather-related information.

Plan To Take Shelter

If local authorities issue a tornado warning or if you see a funnel cloud. Take shelter immediately.

Local authorities may not immediately be able to provide information on what is happening and what you should do. However, you should listen to NOAA Weather Radio, watch TV, listen to the radio or check the Internet often for official news and instructions as they become available.

Stay in the shelter location until the danger has passed.

Stay Informed

After a tornado be sure to remain out of damaged buildings and stay clear of downed power lines.

Help injured or trapped people. Check on others who may require special assistance, such as the elderly, children and people with disabilities.

Local authorities may not immediately be able to provide information on what is happening and what you should do. However, you should listen to NOAA Weather Radio, watch TV, listen to the radio or check the Internet often for official news and instructions as they become available.

Winter in Nebraska typically brings several bouts with large amounts of snow or subfreezing temperatures, as well as strong winds, ice or sleet that can limit travel and cause power outages, sometimes for days at a time. Occasionally the university will close or cancel events because of wintry weather. The snow and inclement weather policy is at http://bf.unl.edu/bfpolicy/InclementWeather.shtml

Prepare For Winter Weather

Familiarize yourself with the terms that are used to identify winter weather.

Freezing Rain creates a coating of ice on roads and walkways.

Sleet is rain that turns to ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet also causes roads to freeze and become slippery.

Winter Weather Advisory means cold, ice and snow are expected.

Winter Storm Watch means severe weather such as heavy snow or ice is possible in the next day or two.

Winter Storm Warning means severe winter conditions have begun or will begin very soon.

Blizzard Warning means heavy snow and strong winds will produce a blinding snow, near zero visibility, deep drifts and life-threatening wind chill.

Frost/Freeze Warning means below freezing temperatures are expected.

Thoroughly check and update your family's emergency supply kit before winter approaches. Include adequate clothing and blankets to keep you warm. If you have a car, fill the gas tank in case you have to leave. Have an emergency snow kit in your vehicle during the winter.

Visit NOAA Watch for more weather-related information.

Make A Plan

Plan to stay inside and make it on your own, at least for a period of time. If you have a wood burning fire place, consider storing wood to keep you warm if winter weather knocks out your heat.

Stay Informed

Listen to NOAA Weather Radio to stay informed of winter weather watches and warnings.

Also monitor commercial radio, television and the Internet. For a full description of what to listen for, and an explanation of different weather terms, refer to the NWS guide.

Keep in mind that during a severe winter storm it could be hours, or even days, before emergency personnel are able to reach you.

For more info, read our weather FAQ.

source: ready.gov