Thunderstorms & Lightning - City of New Berlin, WI

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Thunderstorms & Lightning

Spring is that time of year when the City of New Berlin Division of Emergency Government concentrates it’s efforts toward severe storms, tornadoes and flooding.

At this time we would like to take the time to help you prepare for such a storm. During these types of severe storms, you will only have a brief amount of time to take the appropriate actions that can make the difference between life and death. Prior planning and a quick response are the keys to survival during severe storms. Following are some tips that will help you to prepare.

Prior to a Severe Storm

1) Conduct family tornado drills early in the spring

2) Know the difference between a "tornado watch" and "tornado warning" discuss this with all family members.

A Tornado Watch is issued by the National Weather Service when the conditions are such that a tornado is likely to develop. This is the time remind family members where the safest place is within your home and to listen to the radio or television for further developments.

A Tornado Warning is issued when a tornado has been sighted or indicated by radar. The danger is very serious; you should go to a safe place turn on a battery-operated radio and wait for further instructions. Here in New Berlin, a Cable TV announcement and Emergency Alert System (Sirens) will be activated to notify the public of such a warning.

Severe Thunderstorm Watches and Warnings

A severe thunderstorm watch is issued by the national Weather Service when the weather conditions are such that a severe thunderstorm (damaging winds 58 mph or more, or hail three-fourths of an inch in diameter or greater) is likely to develop. This is the time to locate a safe place in the home and tell family members to watch the sky and listen to the radio or television for more information.

A severe thunderstorm warning is issued when a severe thunderstorm has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. At this point, the danger is very serious and everyone should go to a safe place, turn on a battery-operated radio or television, and wait for the “all clear” by the authorities.

3) Have supplies on hand. Following is a short list of items that can assist you during a severe storm.

Flashlight with spare batteries
Portable battery operated radio with spare batteries
First aid kit / supplies
Emergency non-perishable food and water (supply for two days)
Can opener non-electric
Essential medicines
Sturdy shoes and warm clothing
Cash and credit cards

4) Develop an emergency communications plan in case you are separated from the rest of the family during a severe storm. Insure that all family members are familiar with the plan for getting back together and/or communicating with the remainder of the family. Ask an out of town or out of state friend or relative to serve as your "families contact".

In most cases after a disaster is easier to call long distance, make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address and phone number of your contact person.

During a Severe Storm

If Indoors:

Secure outdoor objects such as lawn furniture that could blow away or cause damage or injury. Take light object inside.
Shutter windows securely and brace outside doors.
Listen to a battery-operated radio or television for the latest storm information.
Do not handle any electrical equipment or telephones because lightning could follow the wire. Television sets are particularly dangerous at this time.
Avoid bathtubs, water faucets, and sinks because metal pipes can transmit electricity.

Estimating the Distance from a Thunderstorm

Because light travels so much faster than sound, lightning flashes can be seen long before the resulting thunder is heard. Estimate the number of miles you are from a thunderstorm by counting the number of seconds between a flash of lightning and the next clap of thunder. Divide this number by five.

Important: You are in danger from lightning if you can hear thunder. Knowing how far away a storm is does not mean that you’re in danger only when the storm is over head.

If Outdoors:

Attempt to get into a building or car.
If no structure is available, get to an open space and squat low to the ground as quickly as possible. (If in the woods, find an area protected by a low clump of trees - never stand underneath a single large tree in the open.) Be aware of the potential for flooding in low lying areas.
Kneel or crouch with hands on knees.
Avoid tall structures such as towers, tall trees, fences, telephone lines, or power lines.
Stay away from natural lightning rods such as golf clubs, tractors, fishing rods, bicycles, or camping equipment.
Stay away from rivers, lakes, or other bodies of water.
If you are isolated in a level field or prairie and you feel your hair stand on end (which indicates that lightning is about to strike), drop to your knees and bend forward, putting your hands on your knees. Do not lie flat on the ground.

If in a Car:

Pull safely onto the shoulder of the road away from any trees that could fall on the vehicle.
Stay in the car and turn on the emergency flashers until the heavy rains subside.
Avoid flooded roadways

Check for Injuries:

A person who has been struck by lightning does not carry an electrical charge that can shock other people. If the victim is burned, provide first aid and call emergency medical assistance immediately. Look for burns where lightning entered and exited the body. If the strike caused the victim's heart and breathing to stop, give cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) until medical professionals arrive and take over.

Hail

Hail is produced by many strong thunderstorms. Hail can be smaller than a pea or as large as a softball and can be very destructive to plants and crops. In a hailstorm, take cover immediately. Pets and livestock are particularly vulnerable to hail, so bring animals into a shelter.

Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance - infants, elderly people, and people with disabilities.

Report downed utility wires.

Drive only if necessary. Debris and washed-out roads may make driving dangerous.

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City Hall located at
3805 S. Casper Drive New Berlin, WI 53151
Ph: (262) 786-8610
Hrs: Monday-Friday 8:00 am-4:30 pm