State of Connecticut CT Prepares - Connecticut’s Emergency Management News and Resource Center

Severe Storms

If lightning strikes you or someone you know, call 911 for medical assistance as soon as possible.

Before a Severe Storm

  • Prepare an emergency kit.
  • Remove all dead or rotting trees and branches from your property. During a severe storm, dead or rotted trees and branches can fall and cause damage to your home.
  • Secure any outdoor objectives that could blow away or cause damage.
  • Unplug electronic equipment well before the storm arrives.
  • It is recommended that when lighting is visible and 6 miles away (30 seconds between the flash and the thunder) people outside should seek appropriate cover in a building.

During a Severe Storm

  • Stay away from windows and doors
  • Stay off porches
  • Take shelter in a sturdy building. Avoid isolated sheds or small structures in open areas.
  • Get out of boats and away from the water.
  • If you are out in the open:
    • Stay away from the tallest objects in the area such as trees.
    • Stay away from metal objects such as bleachers or fences.
    • Avoid standing water.
    • Crouch down with only the balls of the feet toughing the ground. Wrap your arms mourned your knees and lower your head. Do no lie flat on the ground.

After a Severe Storm

  • Report downed power lines to Utility Companies.
  • The following are things you should check when you attempt to give aid to a victim of lightning:
    • Breathing - if breathing has stopped, begin mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
    • Heartbeat - if the heart has stopped, administer CPR.
    • Pulse - if the victim has a pulse and is breathing, look for other possible injuries. Check for burns where the lighting entered and left the body. Also, be alert for nervous system damage, broken bones, and loss of hearing and eyesight.