The City of Bridgeport and the surrounding communities experience approximately 20 or so severe thunderstorms a year mostly between the spring and summer seasons (April to September).A thunderstorm is always accompanied by lightning, possibly gusty winds and heavy rainfall. Here are some safety tips to prepare you and your family from thunderstorms.
BEFORE
Keep an eye to the sky. Look for darkening skies, flashes of light, or increasing wind. Listen for the sound of thunder.
If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning. Seek shelter immediately.
Move pets inside your home or inside a safe secured location.
Stay tuned to your local media for weather updates, alerts or warnings.
DURING
Find shelter in a building or a car. Keep car windows closed and avoid convertables.
Telephone lines and metal pipes can conduct electricity. Unplug all appliances and avoid using the telephone or any other elctrical appliances.
Avoid taking showers, baths or using running water for any other purposes.
Turn off air conditioners because power surges from lightning can overload the compressor and cause extreme damage.
Pull down blinds or shades over windows to prevent windows from shattering into your home due to flying debris.
OUTSIDE SAFETY
If caught in the woods seek shelter under the shorter trees.
If you are boating or swimming get to land and find shelter immediately.
Make sure the place you find is not subject to flooding.
Go to a low-lying, open place away from trees, poles or metal objects.
Squat low to the ground. Place your hands on your knees with your head between them. Make yourself the smallest target possible.
Do not lie flat on the ground this will make you a large target!
AFTER THE STORM
Stay away from all damaged areas.
Listen to your local media for information, alerts and instructions.
If someone is struck by lightning call 911 for help.
A person struck by lightning carry no electrical charge and can be handled safely.
Check for burns at the point of electrical entry and exit.
Give first aid. If breathing has stopped begin rescue breathing. If the heart has stopped beating, a trained person should give CPR.
