All thunderstorms whether they are severe or not...are dangerous. When one approaches protect yourself!

Lightning is the thunderstorms worst killer. Do not use electrical appliances or the telephone while a thunderstorm is near.

If you are outdoors...seek shelter in a sturdy building. Keep out of open areas. Stay away from tall objects such as isolated trees, and metal objects such as towers supporting power lines. Also stay away from wire fences, clotheslines, metal pipes, and rails.  If in an automobile...do not touch metal parts or the exterior.

Lightning may be about to strike if you are out in the open and feel your hair stand on end.  Squat down with you feet together at once, bend forward and put your hands on your head.  Do not lie flat on the ground!

Stay out of water...if you are boating...head for shore at the first sign of threatening weather.  In addition to the danger of lightening...gusty thunderstorm winds can easily capsize small boats.

You should also stay away from places that could flood during a thunderstorm. Flash flooding caused by heavy downpours is another thunderstorm danger.  Low-lying areas especially near streams and creeks can flood rapidly!  Never drive your car into a flooded area! Especially if that area happens to be a flooded roadway...find an alternate route!

Remember...thunderstorms occasionally produce tornadoes. And often thunderstorm winds are strong enough to cause tornado-like damage. 

Be prepared to move to a safe place of shelter when a thunderstorm is near!