This is the third and final installment in a series of stories on preparedness during Severe Weather Preparedness Week February 28 - March 6. This story deals with thunderstorms.

Thunderstorms are infamous for producing the other two severe weather events that have been talked about, tornadoes and floods. Severe thunderstorms can also produce damaging winds, lightning, hail and heavy rain. In fact, high wind from straight-line winds and downbursts can cause more damage than nearly 70 percent of the tornadoes that occur in Illinois.

The Illinois Emergency Management Agency IEMA) and the National Weather Service (NWS) are urging Illinois residents to be prepared for spring weather hazards.

“After a cold, snowy winter, most people in Illinois are ready to welcome spring temperatures,” said IEMA Director Andrew Velasquez III. “But spring weather brings with it the risk of deadly tornadoes, severe thunderstorms and flooding. Many deaths related to these hazards can be prevented by following the safety steps we’re promoting during Severe Weather Preparedness Week.”

Valasquez said IEMA will continue highlighting severe weather preparedness throughout March as part of the agency’s 12 - Month Preparedness Campaign.

Another deadly aspect of thunderstorms is lightning. Most lightning deaths occur under or near trees and in open fields. There have been 27 people killed by lightning in Illinois since 1990. There are an estimated 25 million cloud-to-ground lightning flashes each year in the United States, nearly 650,000 of which occur in Illinois alone. Remember lightning strike victims can be revived with CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation).

Shelby County Sheriff Michael Miller said some people don’t act promptly to protect their lives, property, or the lives of others.

“If you can hear thunder, you have the potential to be struck by lightning,” said Sheriff Miller.

Miller went on to say no place outdoors is safe when a thunderstorm is near! He said the best place to take shelter from lightning is indoors in a substantial building. The second best place is in a hard topped vehicle, with the windows up. It is the metal shell of the automobile that protects you, NOT the rubber tires.

Stay away from windows and doors during the storm. If you can do it safely, draw the shades or blinds to reduce the risk from flying glass if it breaks due to high winds.

You should monitor the radio or television for the latest weather information. Sheriff Miller suggests that folks buy a NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) radio.

“I think everyone should own a NOAA Weather Radio because many times severe weather will strike at night when folks are asleep,” Miller said. “We have one (NOAA Radio) here at the jail and that is how we get our weather information.”

Do you remember how your mother always told you not to use the corded phone or other electrical appliances until the storm passes, well guess what your mother was right. My mother used to tell us not to take a shower or bath during a thunderstorm and again mom is right.

You should also know the terms used to describe severe thunderstorm threats.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means severe thunderstorms are possible. Watch the sky and listen to the radio or television for more information. Be prepared to take shelter.

A Severe Thunderstorm Warning means a severe thunderstorm will be approaching or are occurring. Severe thunderstorms can produce damaging winds in excess of 60 mph and/or hail 1.00 in diameter or larger. The largest hailstone to recently affect Illinois fell near the town of Philo, in Champaign County, where grapefruit sized hail (4.25” diameter) was reported on May 30, 2008.

IEMA and NWS have developed a Severe Weather preparedness Guide, which contains information and tips on how to keep you and your family safe when severe weather or flooding approach and what actions to take following a severe storm, tornado or flood. The guide is available on the Ready Illinois website at www.Ready.illinois.gov or by calling (217) 785-9888.