Issue link: https://alabamapower.uberflip.com/i/846958
Storm s LIGHTNING: Lightning strikes the United States about 25 million times a year and kills an average of 49 people each year. Immediately get off elevated areas such as hills, mountain ridges or peaks during thunder or lightning. Never lie flat on the ground during lightning. Immediately get out of and away from ponds, lakes and other bodies of water. Stay away from objects that conduct electricity (barbed wire fences, power lines, windmills, etc.). Stay in safe shelter at least 30 minutes aer you hear the last sound of thunder. SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS: A thunderstorm is considered severe if it produces hail at least 1 inch in diameter or has wind gusts of at least 58 miles per hour. Listen to local news or a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather radio for emergency updates. Watch for signs of a storm, such as darkening skies, lightning or increasing wind. Avoid electrical equipment and corded telephones. Cordless phones, cellphones and other wireless handheld devices are safe to use. If you are driving, try to safely exit the roadway and park the vehicle. Stay in the vehicle and turn on the emergency flashers until the heavy rain ends. If you are outside and cannot reach a safe building, avoid high ground, water, tall, isolated trees, and metal objects such as fences or bleachers. Picnic shelters, dugouts and sheds are not safe. FLOODS: Get out of areas subject to flooding and get to higher ground immediately. Do not drive into flooded roadways or around a barricade. Do not walk through floodwaters. If you are trapped by moving water, move to the highest possible point and call 911 for help. Don't go into a basement, or onto a dock, if water covers the electrical outlets or if cords are submerged. If you see sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping or popping noises, get out/off. Stay out of water that may be electrified. If told to evacuate, do so immediately. Be sure to lock your home as you leave. If you have time, disconnect utilities and appliances. SOURCES: NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE - weather.gov ALABAMA LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY MARINE PATROL outdooralabama.com/marine-patrol-enforcement-contacts 1-800-272-7930 Alabama Power's Lake Safety Resource Guide is also available online at apcshorelines.com. 33 www.apcshorelines.com