LESSON 33-SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS: Severe thunderstorms happen now in all 50 states and all 12
months of the year. They can create hail, lightning, flash floods and tornadoes with lots of damage.
HAIL: Hail is formed by water freezing on a small granule of dirt. Each time the hailstone makes a rotation in the
cloud is grows with more ice. Grapefruit sized hailstones may have had 20 trips in the cloud. Large hail can cause
serious injury, so avoid the outdoors while a storm is in progress. Protect gardens and shelter vehicles to
prevent costly damage.
LIGHTNING: Lightning naturally occurs when the difference in energy between the clouds and the surrounding air
or ground. To count the closeness of the strike, count the seconds from the flash, and each second is 1000
yards.
Lightning kills more people in the United States that any other natural hazard. It may be able strike several miles
from the parent cloud. Avoid being the highest object in any area. Stay away from hilltops, lone trees or
telephone poles. In a forest, move under a thick growth of small trees.
Do not enter a small structure in an open area. If suitable shelter is not available, seek a ravine or valley, and
drop to the ground in a crouched position, hands on knees. Do not lie flat. Abandon metal equipment (tractors,
golf carts, bicycles). Drop golf clubs and remove golf shoes. Keep several yards away from other people.
FLASH FLOODS: They often occur without warning following heavy rainfall upstream. Drainage canals,
stream beds, canyons or areas downstream from a dam are potential flood area. Monitor current weather
conditions and make evacuation plans. Roads and trails that parallel drainage systems may be swept away
by flood waters. When a flash flood warning is issued, or you realize a flash flood is coming, act quickly to
save lives. Seconds count!
Go to high ground immediately. Do not drive through already flooded area. Shallow swiftly flowing water
can sweep a car from the road and disguise a washed-out roadbed. Do not attempt to cross a flowing stream on
foot where the water is above your knees. Sometimes these weather conditions seem to happen at once. Get
above the flood water level, yet low enough to keep lightning from striking you and kneel down to prevent a
strike.
If you live or work in a flash flood zone as determined by your area annex, take the extra preparatory
Lessons concerning your kits and important documents. If possible have a extra kit that is out of the zone.
LESSON 34--FLOODS: Unlike flash floods, you would have extra notification of a flood from areas
upstream or the NWS, but once the alert is given to evacuate use your half-hour evacuation drill to real-time.
Extra items to have are shovels, sandbags, plastic sheeting and ropes-long and lots of them.
Preparation: Know what has occurred on local property during past floods and take appropriate precautions.
Consult a local licensed insurance agent for the availability of flood insurance through the federally sponsored
National Flood Insurance Program thru FEMA. There is a 30-day waiting period, so don't wait until a
flood is imminent. 1-800-621-FEMA or www.floodsmart.gov . NEW: 1-800-RAIN-356.
Install check valves in sewer traps to prevent flood waters from backing up in sewer drains, or buy large corks or
stoppers to plug sinks, showers, and tubs. Obtain sandbags, plastic sheeting, lumber and towels. Have
vehicles fueled in case evacuation becomes necessary. Monitor rapidly changing weather conditions. Get
extra survival cash of at least $200 before the power goes out and the ATMs don’t work (CVFD Fire Chief
P.—Phoenix Five)
During a flood: If there is time disconnect all electrical and gas appliances. Shut of the water main to keep
contaminated water from the water heater-a source of emergency drinking water. Bring outdoor possessions
inside. Move valuables and essential items to upper floors. Sandbags should be stacked well away from
the building to avoid damaging walls. If major flooding is expected, flood the basement with clean water to
equalize the water pressure on the outside of basement walls and floors. This is to prevent structural damage.
Round up pets. (See Lessons One and Nineteen.)
Evacuation: Use travel routes recommended by local authorities if FVN routes are gone. Keep a radio, plus use
your CB/GMRS/FRS and scanners, for news and updates. Watch for flooding at bridges viaducts and low
areas. Be alert for thunder and lightning that may signify rain and more flooding ahead. Shut off electricity or
unplug certain items see Lesson 23 and page 30.
Don't drive over flooded roads. It's impossible to tell how deep the water is, or if portions for the roadway have
been washed out. Vehicles may be swept away. Never try to cross flowing water above your knees. All
passengers should abandon a stalled vehicle immediately and move as a group to higher ground using ropes.
After a flood: Return home only when authorities say it is safe. If there is major structural damage or there are
utility breaks, have qualified specialists inspect your home and make repairs before you reenter.
Be very careful when inspecting your home or initial salvaging for the first time. Use a flash light, not a torch
or lantern. Check for gas leaks (use your nose). Wear rubber-soled shoes and rubber gloves in case of
severed electrical lines. Don't turn on electrical switches. Check electrical circuits for wetness only when
electricity is shut off from primary breaker box or fuse box.
Don't use flooded electrical appliances until they have been repaired. Don't drink municipal water until the health
department has declared it safe. Don't rush to pump out a flooded basement. If the water is removed all at
once, the walls may cave in because of the sudden pressure change. Pump out a third of the water per day.
Dirt is easier to shovel while it is still moist.
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