Severe weather safety

National Weather Service and NOAA guidance for the hazards that actually hurt people locally: flooding, lightning, heat, tornadoes, and winter storms.

Turn Around, Don't Drown. Six inches of moving water knocks an adult off their feet; a foot floats most cars.

When thunder roars, go indoors — and stay in for 30 minutes after the last rumble. There is no safe place outside in a storm.

Know the difference: a watch means conditions are possible, a warning means it's happening now and you act immediately.

In extreme heat, check on older neighbors and never leave anyone — child or pet — in a parked car, even briefly.

Have a way to get warnings that wakes you up at 2 a.m.: phone alerts on, plus a NOAA weather radio if your area loses cell service.

Sourced from public guidance published by the FTC, CISA, FEMA/Ready.gov, the National Weather Service, NHTSA, CPSC, the U.S. Fire Administration and CDC. Federal works are in the public domain; summaries and checklists on this page are original.

• Lightning: When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors — If you can hear thunder, you're close enough to be struck. Get inside and stay there for 30 minutes after the last rumble. NWS
• Heat Index, Not Just Temperature — A 90°F day at 70% humidity feels like 105°F. Check the heat index — not just the thermometer — before outdoor work. NWS
• Flood: Turn Around, Don't Drown — Six inches of moving water can knock you down. Twelve inches can carry away a small car. Never drive around barricades or through flooded roads. NWS
• When thunder roars, go indoors — The National Weather Service says no place outside is safe during a thunderstorm. Move to a substantial building or hard-topped vehicle and wait 30 minutes after the last thunder before going back out. National Weather Service
• Turn around, don't drown — Just 12 inches of moving water can carry off most cars and 6 inches can knock an adult off their feet. Over half of all flood deaths happen in vehicles. National Weather Service
• Tornado safety: lowest floor, innermost room — Get to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor with no windows. Cover your head and neck. Mobile homes are unsafe in any tornado — leave for a sturdy shelter before the storm arrives. National Weather Service
• Heat kills more Americans than any other weather hazard — Drink water before you feel thirsty, take breaks in the shade or air conditioning, and never leave children or pets in a parked car — the inside can climb 20 degrees in 10 minutes. National Weather Service
• Tornado: Get to the Lowest Level — In a tornado warning, move to a basement or interior room on the lowest floor. Stay away from windows. Cover your head and neck. NWS
• Wildfire: Pack a Go-Bag Early — When a wildfire is in your area, pack medications, documents, phone chargers, and pet supplies before evacuation orders. Park your car facing out. Red Cross
• Hurricane: Know Your Zone — Find your evacuation zone before storm season. Storm surge — not wind — is the deadliest hurricane hazard. NHC
• Winter driving kit essentials — NWS recommends carrying blankets, food and water, a flashlight, sand or kitty litter for traction, a shovel, jumper cables, and a fully charged phone before winter travel. National Weather Service
• Watch vs. warning — A watch means conditions are favorable — get ready. A warning means it is happening or imminent — act now. National Weather Service