When the Thunder Rolls & the Lightning Strikes

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By Shannon Randol, intern contributor, American Red Cross

Don’t you hate it when a storm rolls in and causes the television signal to fizzle out? Or a crack of lightning delays an outdoor sporting event or celebration? As Texans, we know not to let the weather dampen our moods, but lightening strikes can be hazardous.  


Tornado season is over (hallelujah), but lightning is unpredictable and bound to happen. June 22^rd to June 28^th is National Lightning Safety Awareness Week, and it’s imperative to know what to expect when lightning strikes.

According to the National Weather Service, lightning can strike up to 10 miles away from the storm clouds, and it can strike in one place more than twice, despite what the old wives tale says.

Lightning carries an electrical charge, and water conducts electricity which makes the two a deadly combination. The NWS has a saying, “When thunder roars, go indoors,” and is a good rule of thumb to teach the little ones.

For your safety, the Red Cross has put together a list of Do's and Don't's:

1. Don't play in or be near standing water, pools, ponds and lakes.
2. Avoid large, open areas like fields and wide open spaces.
3. Migrate to lower ground and avoid high grounds as much as possible.
4. Avoid metal objects.
5. Stay away from appliances plugged into outlets.
6. Suspend outdoor activities for 30 minutes upon seeing the last bolt of lightening or clap of thunder.
7. Find a safe structure with walls, a roof, flooring and electrical/plumbing – this helps absorb a lightening strike.
8. Keep a safe distance between individuals as lightening can travel from person to person.
9. Plan ahead, know the weather forecast and your safety plan.

Lets debunk a few of the myths you’ve heard about lightning:

Myth: “Lightning never strikes in the same place twice.”
Fact: False; lightening has been proven to strike the same spot multiple times.

Myth: “A tree will protect you from a possible lightning strike.”

Fact: False; a majority of lightening casualties was from individuals seeking shelter under a tree.

Myth: “Your skin will begin to tingle and your hair will stand up straight before being struck by lightning.”

Fact: While this can be true and may be viewed as a last minute warning, it isn’t reliable; many lightning strikes don’t give the victim any warning.

Here are some #ProTips for safety and preparedness in a lightning storm:

• If you are outdoors when lightning strikes crouch down, and put your feet together while covering your ears. DO NOT LIE FLAT ON THE GROUND.

• Putting the body in the fetal position helps absorb a possible lightning strike. The electrical charge doesn’t have as long of a track while in a squatted position as it would if you were standing.

• Don’t allow your children to stomp around in puddles while it’s thundering and lightning. We know it’s fun to dance in the rain, but make sure it’s safe before you start embodying your inner Gene Kelly.

Cuando se Oyen los Truenos Después  Llegan los Relámpagos

Por Shannon Randol

¿No te molesta cuando las tormentas llegan y después causa el signo de la televisión que se vaya? ¿O cuando los relámpagos cancelan juegos de deportes o celebraciones importantes? Como Tejanos, sabemos de no dejar la temporada nos deprimen, pero cuando los relámpagos pegan puede ser peligroso.

La temporada de tornados ya se acabó, pero relámpagos en general no son previsibles. En junio 22 hasta junio 28 es la Semana de Conciencia de la Seguridad de Relámpagos, y es imperativo que uno sepa que expectar cuando relámpagos peguen.

El National Weather Service reporta que relámpagos pueden pegar hasta de 10 millas desde los nubes y puede pegar en un lugar más de dos veces.

Por qué los relámpagos tiene un cargo de electricidad  y el agua es un bien conductor de electricidad, esto hace una combinación peligrosa. EL NWS tiene un dicho que va, “Cuando truenos se oyen, metete adentro,” y es importante de enseñar este dicho a los pequeños.

Para to propia seguridad, la Cruz Roja tiene una lista de lo que uno debe y no debe que  hacer:

1. No jueguen o se acercan acercas de agua estancada, albercas o lagos.
2. Eviten estar en tierras altas.
3. Eviten objetos hechos de metal.
4. No se acerquen a enchufes o accesorios enchufados.
5. Cancelen actividades que están afuera inmediatamente de viendo relámpagos pegar.
6. Encuentra un lugar seguro con paredes, un techo, y piso con electricidad y plomería.
7. Tengan una distancia segura entre individuales porque los relámpagos pueden moverse de persona a persona.
8. Planean antes de tiempo, edúquense en el pronóstico del tiempo y sepan su plan de seguridad.

Vamos a desmitificar unos cuantos mitos:

Mito: “Relámpagos nunca pegan en el mismo lugar dos veces.”
Hecho: Falso; Es probado que relámpagos pegan el mismo lugar muchas veces.

Mito: “Un árbol te va proteger de los relámpagos.”

Hecho: Falso; La mayoría de las bajas por relámpagos fueron por individuales buscando abrigo debajo de árboles.

Mito: “Tu piel va empezar a tener comezón y tu pelo se va a parar arriba antes de ser pegado por relámpagos.”

Hecho: Aunque esto sea real y puede verse como una advertencia, no es de confianza.  Muchos relámpagos que pegan no dan advertencia a la víctima.

Aquí hay unos tipos (#ProTips) para tu seguridad y preparación para una tormenta de relámpagos:

• Si estas afuera cuando los relámpagos peguen agáchese, y pon tus pies juntos mientras te cubres tus oídos. NO SE  ACUESTEN EN EL PISO.

• Poniendo tu cuerpo en una posición de fetal ayuda en asorbando un posible rayo. La electricidad no tiene una pista larga mientras uno esta agachado comparado a estando parado.

• No dejes tus niños que pisen muy fuete en charcos mientras los relámpagos peguen. Aunque sabemos que es divertido bailando en la lluvia, uno tiene que asegurar su propia seguridad antes de encarnado a Frank Sinatra. 

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Don't be Scared -Be Prepared!

by Suzanne Wiley, volunteer contributor

It is widely believed that our tradition of Halloween originates from the ancient Gaelic festival of Samhain (pronounced SAH-win). Samhain, beginning on October 31 marked the end of summer for the ancient Irish people. This time was the end of harvest and when people prepared for the long winter ahead—a season often referred to as the “darker half.” It was during these few days the Celts believed the line between the two worlds of the living and the dead blurred and ghosts and witches roamed freely in the world of the living. To them, this night of spirits was not particularly scary or malevolent like we tend to thing of the supernatural. In fact, those who celebrated Samhain would set places at the dinner table or around the fire to welcome the ghosts of dead loved ones. At night, they would light candles and bonfires and feast. Since then, throughout history, cultures all around Europe continued the tradition of a feasting around harvest time and light fires in order to guide the ghosts as they roamed.

As Christianity spread, religious leaders tried to do away with pagan rituals and traditions, Samhain being one of them. In attempt to replace Samhain, Catholic leaders declared November 1 the day of the feast of All Saints. When that didn’t work, the Catholic Church declared November 2 as All Souls Day, a day to pray for those who had died, thinking that perhaps it would appease the Celts. All Saints Day—also known as All Hallows Eve—is where we get the name Halloween. To this day, October 31 is celebrated by recognizing all things creepy such as ghosts, witches, ghouls, and goblins.

Many of our modern day Halloween traditions are deep-rooted from the ancient festival of Samhain and the traditions picked up along the way. We dress up in costume as some did to confuse the spirits, we trick or treat- a tradition starting in the Middle Ages where people would entertain others in return for food. Many of our symbols stem from this ancient harvest festival as well- corn stalks, pumpkins and scare crows.

Though costumes range the span of superheroes and Disney characters, the most popular costumes for adults are scary like witches, vampires, skeletons or other bloody character. The paranormal still dominates Halloween despite all the silly and “sexy” costumes. We decorate our homes with fake gravestones, body parts and spooky lighting. We serve hot dogs made to look like severed fingers and red cocktails served over dry ice to mimic drinking blood. Halloween allows us to be morbid and seek out that which frightens us. Though there is no record of Samhain being a night of frights, we Americans sure have made turned into that. Indeed, we also know we aren’t going to starve during winter.

Unlike our other major holidays, there is not one thing Americans will agree on that we are actually celebrating on Halloween. Are we celebrating the dead? The undead? That seems morbid. Do dentists feast because they know we’re keeping them in business? As the second most profitable holiday in America, what exactly IS Halloween?

If it is the night spirits walk around in our world, we sure have stretched the imagination of what the other world consists of, haven’t we? The Celts welcomed and warded off spirits, fairies and witches. Besides those, we also have to ward off vampires, werewolves, zombies, headless horseman and dead or undead manic serial killers who just won’t die. Ever.  Boy, Halloween is a busy night for America’s underworld. After the candy is eaten and the Jack O’Lantern candle is blown out and the witching hour is nigh, I have a suggestion on what you need to be prepared instead of scared.

For $45, The American Red Cross Emergency Preparedness Starter Kit has every thing you need to get through these next few days of the dead.

Flashlight and batteries-If you have watched one episode of Ghost Adventures or Ghost Hunters, you know that ghosts really only like the dark.

Am/FM Radio- Listening to your favorite station will drown out the howls from coming outside your bedroom window. In addition, you won’t miss any emergency broadcast in case the zombie apocalypse begins or aliens attack.

Reflective blanket-Bloody Mary-free!

First aid kit- You will want to wrap sterile gauze around those two bite marks you got on your neck.

Food packs- Fighting ghouls takes energy.

Toiletries such as toothbrush, toothpaste, and soap-Zombies don’t have the best hygiene!

Breathing mask-Rotting flesh doesn’t smell anywhere close to roses

Rain poncho-Drape this over your head to disguise yourself as one of the ghosts to confuse them.

Whistle-As one of the most practical items in the kit, use your whistle to let others (living others) know you need help.

Water- Water in a preparedness kit should be self-explanatory. You can only go about 100 hours without drinking water. Without this, you will join the ranks of the dead.

Without a kit, I can only wish you good luck and Godspeed!

Halloween is all good and fun, but remember to stay safe. Children are four more times likely to be hit by a car on Halloween than on any other night of the year. Trick or Treat in groups, with at least one adult to supervise. Start out early to avoid running around in the dark, walk only on the sidewalk and cross the street at designated crosswalks. Carry flashlights, glow sticks, wear a blinking light, or attach reflective tape to children’s costumes. And remember, if they look like a zombie, act like a zombie and smell like a zombie, they probably are a zombie.

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Recognizing the Brave and Prepared: A Red Cross Certificates of Merit for Professional Rescuers Event

Written by Amy Yen, volunteer contributor

Photos by Ralph Navarro, volunteer contributor





Only about 30 percent of victims survive the particularly devastating heart attack known as the widow maker, which is cardiac arrest that comes from a blockage in the left main artery of the heart. David Neumann of Arlington, Texas is one of them, thanks to the quick action and training of several members of his church.

This weekend, the American Red Cross presented Certificates of Merit for Professional Rescuers awards to Anthony Hermosillo, Joshua Galmore and Marcela Long, three interns with the DFW Church of Christ who had been trained by the Red Cross as lifeguards, for their role in saving Dave Neumann’s life. Jose Diaz, Rob McKeown and Sherlynn McKeown, who also played important roles in the rescue, were recognized as well.

One day last June, Dave Neumann was arriving at a church event at Thousand Oaks Ranch when he collapsed as he started having a massive heart attack. Jose, Rob and Sherlynn were the first to find him on the ground. Jose raised his legs while Rob, who is a Colleyville fire marshal, and Sherlynn, who is a nurse, began administering CPR. Anthony, Joshua and Marcela, who had only three weeks before received professional rescuer training from the Red Cross, soon responded as well.

When he saw that Dave had stopped breathing, Anthony quickly ran to get the AED and shocked Dave’s heart three times.

“I felt prepared,” said Anthony. “I was just worried about helping Dave and I wasn’t really thinking about anything else. I just let the training and instincts take over.”

Meanwhile, Joshua ran back to the hall and told the nurses to keep the kids who were there for summer camp away from what was happening. He then sat with Dave’s wife Melinda and delivered one of the Red Cross’ hallmark services, emotional support, until the ambulance arrived 15 minutes later and Marcela directed EMTs to where Dave was.

At Sunday’s recognition service, the interns encouraged others to get the life-saving training they’d received.

“You never know what’s going to happen. We were trained as lifeguards but things can happen in and out of the water. It’s better to be prepared for anything,” said Anthony.

One person is certainly glad they had that training.

“I think everything happens for a reason,” said Dave. “Not many people survive the kind of heart attack I had. It’s called the widow maker for a reason. If it weren’t for them being there at the right time, I wouldn’t be here.”

To learn more about how to be trained as a professional rescuer or in first aid and CPR/AED, visit Red Cross Dallas.

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Thor Worthy Thunderstorms

Written by Kyla Campbell, staff contributor

When storms roll across Texas they can seem like they were sent by the sundering force of Thor himself. Thunderous billows crack the heavens and leave the sky, and all the earthly creatures, crying for mercy.

OK. While that may be a bit melodramatic, thunderstorms—especially severe ones like we might be receiving later this afternoon and evening—should be taken seriously.

Here's a rundown on how you can prepare for Thor-like forces and what to do in case he raises his massive (and gorgeous) arms to the heavens today.

Click for complete list of preparedness tips

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Prepare for Flash Flooding in a Flash!

Looking at our forecast for North Texas, no doubt spring is here. Monday and Tuesday have the potential to be severe weather days with the greatest risk calling for Flash Flooding, but tornadoes can't be ruled out. Go ahead and brush up on these flood tips so you'll be ready to take action in a flash. And remember, floods are the costliest and deadliest of all natural disasters. Take no chances with your safety. Turn around. Don't drown.

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Things to Do When the Sky is Blue—Preparing for When Disaster Strikes

by Lilly Watson, American Red Cross contributor
Already this year, many of our fellow Americans lost their lives, their loved ones or their homes and belongings in severe storms and tornadoes. In early March alone, the Red Cross relief efforts stretched across 11 states where 22 shelters opened comforting friends and neighbors.

Those of us at home watched and asked, "How are these communities so resilient?" And also, "What would I do if this happened to me?"

There is no way to keep a tornado from arriving in your neighborhood with little notice, but you can prepare your home and family should you ever find yourself in the face of severe weather.

The video below reviews some of the most important things to remember in the eye of the storm.

You know when you are preparing to fly and the attendant tells says you must secure your mask before helping others? Well, helping in disasters is exactly the same. Your emergency preparedness kit and plan for your family comes first, then you can turn to your neighbor to help them put on their "mask."

The best time to prepare for an emergency is when one isn't happening. On top of viewing the video above, download these free tips from the American Red Cross so that you and your family will be ready when the time comes. Be safe everyone! http://rdcrss.org/eekGXz

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Winter is Here! Be Red Cross Ready With These Winter Safety Tips

By Catherine Carolton, Volunteer Writer, American Red Cross

The holiday season is about the weather changing, being thankful, spending time with family, giving back, celebrating Christmas, Hannahuk, Kwanzaa and more, and, in my case at least, eating -- too much. With old man winter coming to visit, it's an opportunity for Red Cross to educate and remind us about how to be safe as we're driving, shopping, cooking and entertaining.


Winter Storms

The Red Cross has tips for you to review before, during and after a storm. Bundle up, don't drive if you don't have to and listen to the news/radio for updates in your area. Learn more here.

Driving

Take your safe driving to the next level during storms -- allow for extra distance between cars, brake gently and slowly to feel hw much traction you have. Double check you have a safety kit in your car in the event of an accident: batteries, flashlights, water, non-perishable food and a blanket. Learn more.

Staying Warm

Be sure you weatherize your home so you keep the hot air inside and don't "heat the neighborhood" as your mom use to warn. A few minutes can save you energy -- and money - and keep you warm. Be sure to fill all those nooks, crannies and cracks where the warm air can escape. Change your furnace filter monthly. Use a programmable thermostat - not a BBQ or oven to heat your house. A space heater can be a great way to heat one area, just be sure you follow safety tips. Here's a few more no-cost holiday energy-efficiency tips.

So weather you're at home or out, be sure to remember these safety tips to enjoy your holidays to their fullest. And be sure to check on your friends, family and neighbors to be sure they are safe during the next holiday storm.

Our favorite way to remember the importance of being prepared for winter is the fable of the ant and the grasshopper. Do any of you remember this video?

What are some ways you take extra caution?

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Getting Prepared is as Easy as 1-2-3

An American flag hangs on an overturned car after the tornado hit Joplin, Missouri, in a photo taken on May 24, 2011 (Photo by Bob Carey/American Red Cross)

This year’s many natural disasters—from tornadoes and floods to hurricanes and wildfires—are a reminder of how important it is to be prepared.

Getting prepared takes just three steps:

1. Get a Kit
At a minimum, have the basic supplies listed below. Keep supplies in an easy-to-carry container that you can use at home or take with you in case you must evacuate.

• Water—one gallon per person, per day (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)
• Food—non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)
• Flashlight
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
• Extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Medications (7-day supply) and medical items
• Multipurpose tool
• Sanitation and personal hygiene items
• Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
• Cell phone with chargers
• Family and emergency contact information
• Extra cash
• Emergency blanket
• Map(s) of the area

Pressed for time? Check out the ready-made disaster supply kits in the Red Cross store.

2. Make a Plan
Every family should create and practice an evacuation and communications plan. Each person should know how to reach other family members and where to meet if they can’t return home. You should also designate an out-of-area relative or friend as an emergency contact and make sure all household members know how to contact this person.

To make an evacuation plan, choose two meeting places: one right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, such as a fire, and another outside your neighborhood in case you cannot return home or are asked to evacuate.

Decide where you would go and what route you would take if you had to evacuate. Make sure to also plan ahead for your pets. Keep a phone list of "pet friendly" motels/hotels and animal shelters that are along your evacuation routes.

3. Be Informed
Learning the skills you need to respond in an emergency before help arrives is another important key to being prepared. Make sure that at least one member of your household is trained in first aid and CPR and knows how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED).

Go to Redcross.org to learn more and register for a class.

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