The American Red Cross wants Southeast Michigan residents to prepare in advance of coming spring storms.

“Every thunderstorm produces lightening, which kills more people every year than tornadoes or hurricanes,” said Glen Hendricks, director of emergency services for the Southeastern Michigan Chapter of the Red Cross.

Further, heavy rain from thunderstorms can cause flash flooding, and high winds can damage homes and blow down trees and utility poles, causing widespread power outages and the danger of downed power lines.

Hendricks advises preparing ahead of time and discussing thunderstorm and tornado safety with your family. Pick a safe place to gather in the home - away from windows, skylights and glass doors. For tornadoes, the safest place is a basement, and if that’s not possible, an interior room on the lowest floor is the next best option.

Listen to the local news for emergency updates, and know your community’s warning system. Watch for signs of a storm – such as darkening skies, lightning flashes or increasing wind. Avoid electrical equipment and telephones, using battery-powered TVs and radios if possible.

If a thunderstorm or tornado is likely to occur, postpone outdoor activity. “We like to say, when thunder roars, go indoors,” Hendricks said.

“Be prepared for a medical emergency, by having a first aid kit and taking a CPR/First Aid class,” Hendricks said. Classes are available throughout the tri-county area at Red Cross and other community sites.

As a storm approaches, and youth are outdoors playing baseball and softball, games should be canceled at the first sign of thunder, Hendricks advises. Referees often bench teams when they hear thunder, as they decide whether to call the game, but he said the kids are usually sitting on metal benches, which is unsafe.

“If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be in danger from lightning,” he said.

Another unsafe practice is trying to move outdoor metal furniture when a storm begins, he said.

If you are outside and a severe thunderstorm warning is issued:

Avoid tall, isolated trees; water and high ground.
Take shelter in a substantial building.
If that’s not possible, go to (or stay in) a vehicle with the windows closed.
If driving, try to safely exit the roadway and park. Stay inside the car and turn on your emergency flashers.

Keep an eye out for these danger signs of an approaching tornado:

• Dark, often greenish clouds-a phenomenon caused by hail.
• Wall cloud-an isolated lowering of the base of a thunderstorm.
• Cloud of debris.
• Large hail.
• Funnel cloud.
• Roaring noise.
  

If you are caught outdoors, seek shelter in a basement, shelter or sturdy building. If that is not possible, immediately get into your vehicle and try to drive to a sturdy building. If flying debris occurs while driving, pull over and park, looking for the lowest ground possible.

Then, stay in the car with the seat belt on. Put your head down below the windows, covering yourself with a blanket, if possible.

To learn more about Red Cross safety courses, log on to www.semredcross.org or call 586-756-7600. First aid kits are also available on the Chapter’s website.

For more safety tips, go to www.redcross.org.

About the American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Chapter

The American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Chapter is a non-profit humanitarian organization that turns caring into action by providing three core services for residents in the tri-county area: relief to disaster victims, support to military personnel (both active and veteran) and their families, and the knowledge and skills to help the community prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. We are volunteer-driven and reflect the diversity of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. As part of the international Red Cross network, we are dedicated to protecting human life and dignity locally, nationally and worldwide. To learn more, log on to www.semredcross.org or follow our blog at www.semredcrossblog.org.

Contact: Andrea Tomaszewski / 313-350-1434