Defiance County General Health District

 

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Introducing Our Staff

Thunderstorms occur when the air in the lower atmosphere becomes unstable. Thunderstorms thrive on heat energy converted into wind, electrical discharge and the violent upward motion of air, laden with moisture.  Thunderstorms are classified as severe if they have at least one or all to the following traits:

bullet 60 MPH or higher wind gusts
bullet Hail stones 1/2" or larger
bullet Intense lightning
bullet Heavy rains
bullet Confirmed damage report

If a severe thunderstorm warning is issued, take it seriously! Lightning

Lightning is the electrical discharge developed as a result of a thunderstorm. Thunder is the noise produced by the explosive expansion of the air heated by the lightning. When the difference between the positive and negative charges in a thundercloud is sufficient to overcome the resistance of the air between them, a lightning stroke results.

Lightning Precautions

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Keep calm
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Seek shelter when possible
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Avoid using the telephone
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If outdoors, seek shelter in a low place, such as a dry ravine or culvert. Lie flat and shield your head.
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In a forest, find shelter in a low area under a thick growth of small trees.
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Avoid standing in a small isolated shed or other small structure in open areas.
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Do not stand, lay down
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Stay away from water
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Avoid the following: tractors or other metal farm equipment, motorcycles, bicycles, golf carts and clubs, wire fences and other metal objects. These items can attract and carry lightning even from a distance.

tornadoTornadoes are swift and savage storms made up of 300 MPH winds rotating counter-clockwise. Tornadoes usually move from the southwest to the northeast and generally occur in the spring.  Tornadoes can be detected by the distinctive roar often described like a jet airplane or train. The roar increases as the funnel nears the ground and is loudest when the tornado moves across the surface.

A TORNADO WATCH is a forecast that there is a possibility of a tornado.  When a TORNADO WARNING is issued take cover IMMEDIATELY, a funnel cloud has been sighted.

Safety Tips

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In homes seek shelter in your basement or in an interior room or closet on the ground floor.
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Stay away from the west and south walls, do not take shelter in halls that open to the south or west.
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Get under something sturdy.
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Preplan a spot in your home before an emergency occurs.
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Seek shelter on the lowest floor, in a small room, preferably in a closet or bathroom in the center of the dwelling.
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Wrap yourself in a blanket or mattress and protect your face and eyes.
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If possible, take a flashlight, portable radio, cell phone, medications, and water.
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If you are in a mobile home or car - GET OUT!  Do not try to drive away from the storm. Go to a building or low dry ground for shelter from wind driven objects.
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Stay away from power or telephone lines.
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A dry roadside ditch or plowed furrow will provide some protection. Shield your head with your hands.
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In shopping centers or large buildings, look for pre-designated areas for shelter. If there aren't any, go to the middle hallway on the lower level.

BE SAFE..... NOT SORRY