Editing Thunderstorm (section)

==Safety precautions==
{{See also|Emergency management|Tornado preparedness}}

Most thunderstorms come and go fairly uneventfully; however, any thunderstorm can become [[Severe thunderstorm|severe]], and all thunderstorms, by definition, present the danger of [[lightning]].<ref name="redcross">{{cite web|author=American Red Cross|title=Thunderstorm Safety Checklist|url=http://www.redcross.org/www-files/Documents/pdf/Preparedness/checklists/Thunderstorm.pdf|publisher=American Red Cross|access-date=24 August 2011}}</ref> Thunderstorm preparedness and safety refers to taking steps before, during, and after a thunderstorm to minimize injury and damage.

===Preparedness===
Preparedness refers to precautions that should be taken before a thunderstorm. Some preparedness takes the form of general readiness (as a thunderstorm can occur at any time of the day or year).<ref name="NWS">{{cite web|author=National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office|title=Thunderstorm|url=http://www.srh.noaa.gov/abq/?n=prepthunderstorms|work=Severe Weather Preparedness Information|publisher=NOAA|access-date=24 August 2011|location=Albuquerque, NM}}</ref> Preparing a family emergency plan, for example, can save valuable time if a storm arises quickly and unexpectedly.<ref>{{cite web|author=Federal Emergency Management Agency|title=Thunderstorms and Lightning|url=http://www.ready.gov/america/beinformed/thunderstorms.html|work=Ready|publisher=US Department of Homeland Security|access-date=24 August 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110623092608/http://www.ready.gov/america/beinformed/thunderstorms.html |archive-date=23 June 2011}}</ref> Preparing the home by removing dead or rotting limbs and trees, which can be blown over in high winds, can also significantly reduce the risk of property damage and personal injury.<ref name="fema">{{cite web|author=Federal Emergency Management Agency|title=What to Do Before a Thunderstorm|url=http://www.fema.gov/hazard/thunderstorm/th_before.shtm|publisher=US Department of Homeland Security|access-date=24 August 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110820113150/http://www.fema.gov/hazard/thunderstorm/th_before.shtm|archive-date=20 August 2011}}</ref>

The [[National Weather Service]] (NWS) in the United States recommends several precautions that people should take if thunderstorms are likely to occur:<ref name=NWS/>
:* Know the names of local counties, cities, and towns, as these are how warnings are described.<ref name=NWS/>
:* Monitor forecasts and weather conditions and know whether thunderstorms are likely in the area.<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite web |url=http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/blog.htm |title=NWS Lightning Safety Myths |publisher=Lightningsafety.noaa.gov |date=30 June 2014 |access-date=20 August 2014 |archive-date=28 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150328025002/http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/blog.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref>
:* Be alert for natural signs of an approaching storm.
:* Cancel or reschedule outdoor events (to avoid being caught outdoors when a storm hits).<ref name="autogenerated1"/>
:* Take action early so you have time to get to a safe place.<ref name="autogenerated1"/>
:* Get inside a substantial building or hard-topped metal vehicle before threatening weather arrives.<ref name="autogenerated1"/>
:* If you hear [[thunder]], get to the safe place immediately.<ref name="autogenerated1"/>
:* Avoid open areas like hilltops, fields, and beaches, and do not be or be near the tallest objects in an area when thunderstorms are occurring.<ref name=NWS/><ref name="autogenerated1"/>
:* Do not shelter under tall or isolated trees during thunderstorms.<ref name="autogenerated1"/>
:* If in the woods, put as much distance as possible between you and any trees during thunderstorms.<ref name="autogenerated1"/>
:* If in a group, spread out to increase the chances of survivors who could come to the aid of any victims from a [[lightning strike]].<ref name="autogenerated1"/>

===Safety===
While safety and preparedness often overlap, "thunderstorm safety" generally refers to what people should do during and after a storm. The [[American Red Cross]] recommends that people follow these precautions if a storm is imminent or in progress:<ref name=redcross/>

:* Take action immediately upon hearing thunder. Anyone close enough to the storm to hear thunder can be struck by lightning.<ref name=fema/>
:* Avoid electrical appliances, including corded telephones.<ref name=redcross/> [[Cordless telephone|Cordless]] and wireless telephones are safe to use during a thunderstorm.<ref name=fema/>
:* Close and stay away from windows and doors, as glass can become a serious hazard in high wind.<ref name=redcross/>
:* Do not bathe or shower, as plumbing conducts electricity.
:* If driving, safely exit the roadway, turn on hazard lights, and park. Remain in the vehicle and avoid touching metal.<ref name=redcross/>

The NWS stopped recommending the "lightning crouch" in 2008 as it does not provide a significant level of protection and will not significantly lower the risk of being killed or injured from a nearby lightning strike.<ref name="autogenerated1"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.srh.noaa.gov/jetstream/lightning/lightning_faq.htm#5 |title=NWS JetStream – Lightning Frequently Asked Questions |publisher=Srh.noaa.gov |date=28 June 2014 |access-date=20 August 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.latimes.com/nation/nationnow/la-na-nn-six-lightning-facts-20140714-htmlstory.html |title=You're not safer crouching: Six things you didn't know about lightning |newspaper=LA Times |access-date=20 August 2014}}</ref>

{{wide image|Thunderstorm near Cuero, Texas.jpg|1200 px|Thunderstorm near [[Cuero, Texas]]}}