After the Thunderstorm
After the storm passes, remember to:
  • Never drive through a flooded roadway. Turn around.
  • Stay away from storm-damaged areas.
  • Tune in to local radio or television for updated information or instructions, as access to roads or some parts of the community may be blocked.
  • Help neighbors who may require special assistance: large families, children, the elderly and people with access and functional needs.
  • Stay away from downed power lines and report them immediately.
  • Watch your animals closely. Keep them under your direct control.
Struck by Lightning
Giving first aid to lightning strike victims while waiting for professional medical attention can save their lives. It is safe to touch a lighting strike victim. People struck by lightning do not carry a charge.

First Aid for Lightning Strike Victims
Follow these four steps immediately to help save the life of a lightning strike victim:
  1.  Call for help. Call 911 immediately. Give directions to your location and information about the strike victim(s). it is safe to use a cell phone during a storm.
  2.  Assess the situation. 
    1. How many victims are there?
    2. Where was the victim struck?
    3. Is the storm still continuing?
Be aware of the continuing lightning danger to both the victim and rescuer. If the area where the victim is located is high risk (e.g., an isolated tree or open field), the victim and rescuer could both be in danger. If necessary, move the victim to a safer location. It is unusual for a victim who survives a strike to have any major broken bones that would cause paralysis or major bleeding complications unless the person suffered a fall or was thrown a long distance. Therefore, it may be safe to move the victim to minimize possible further exposure to lightning.

3.  Respond.  Lightning often causes a heart attack. Check to see if the victim is breathing and has a heartbeat. The best place to check
      for a pulse is the carotid artery, which is found on your neck directly below your jaw.
4.  Resuscitate.  If the victim is not breathing, immediately begin mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. If the victim does not have a pulse,
      start cardiac compressions as well (CPR). Continue resuscitation efforts until help arrives. If the area is cold and wet, putting a
      protective layer between the victim and the ground may help decrease hypothermia (abnormally low body temperature).

IMPORTANT REMINDER
Lightning may also cause other injuries such as burns, shock and sometimes blunt trauma. Treat each of these injuries with basic first aid until help arrives. Do not move victims who are bleeding or appear to have broken bones.
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