MONSOON DISASTER MANAGEMENT

Planning ahead
The best way to avoid lightning, flash floods, and other dangerous conditions is by not being in danger in the first place. Many ways are available to gain weather information including:

• Watching current weather forecasts on TV or the internet
• Listening to weather reports on the radio or a NOAA weather radio
• Subscribing to lightning and severe weather notification services
• Scanning the skies 360 degrees around and overhead before leaving a safe location

Disaster Supply Kit Contents

Every family should prepare a family disaster supply kit in the event of severe weather conditions. The disaster supply kit should contain essential items such as food, water, and sturdy clothing, to sustain a family for up to three days since electric power, gas and water services may be interrupted.

• Three gallons of water in clean, closed containers for each person and pet
• First aid kit
• A stock of food that requires no cooking or refrigeration
• Portable and working battery-operated radio, flashlights, and extra batteries (Candles and oil lamps are fire hazards)
• Necessary medications
• Back-up power source for life support or other medical equipment that requires electricity to function

Flash Flood Safety for Homeowners

• If you live in a flood prone area have an evacuation plan.
• Store materials like sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting and lumber for protection from floodwaters and to make quick repairs after a severe storm.
• Store materials above flood levels.
• Secure wanted objects to prevent them from floating away.
• Learn where to find high ground, which is safe from flooding. In a flash flood seek high ground quickly.
• Contact an insurance agent to discuss flood insurance coverage. Flood losses are not covered under normal homeowners' insurance policies. Flood insurance is available through the National Flood
• Insurance Program. Get coverage early-there is a waiting period before it takes effect.

Lightning Safetyg

When thunder roars, go indoors. If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning. There is no place outside that is safe from a lightning strike. Remaining indoors for 30 minutes after seeing the last lightning and hearing the last thunder will eliminate the risk at the end of storms.

If fewer than 30 seconds elapse between the time you see a flash and hear the thunder, then the flash is less than 6 miles away. Research has shown that the most successive flashes are within 6 miles, which means that you should have reached a safe place if lightning is less than 6 miles away. However, lightning may strike up to 10 miles away from the parent storm.