THE TENNESSEE VALLEY-Tomorrow and Friday severe thunderstorms are likely to impact the area. This severe weather is predicted to bring strong winds, but can also cause flash flooding due to heavy rain, hail, lightning and even tornadoes. The nonprofit Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH) offers the following tips for residents to stay safe during the severe weather.
Stay inside a sturdy building and stay tuned to a battery-operated radio for weather information.
If you are caught outdoors, avoid natural lightning rods such as tall, isolated trees in an open area or the top of a hill and metal objects 
such as wire fences, golf clubs and metal tools.
Bring outdoor items in. If you have furniture and other outdoor equipment on your patio or deck, bring them inside when strong weather threatens.
Turn Around Don’t Drown! More deaths occur due to flooding each year than from any other thunderstorm or hurricane related hazard. Many of these deaths are a result of careless or unsuspecting motorists who attempt to drive through flooded roads. Never drive through floodwaters or on flooded roads. If your vehicle stalls, leave it immediately and seek higher ground. Water only two feet deep can sweep away most automobiles.
Anticipate a possible power outage. If you have space in your refrigerator or freezer, consider filling plastic containers with water, leaving about an inch of space inside each one (remember, water expands as it freezes so it is important to leave room in the container for the expanded water). Place the containers in the refrigerator and freezer to help keep food cold if the power goes out.
Now is the time to back up computer files and operating systems.
Keep a supply of flashlights, batteries and a battery-powered radio on hand. Do not use candles as they pose a fire hazard.
Staying Safe If Hail Falls
If hail is forecast for your area, close your drapes, blinds or window shades to prevent potential injury from broken glass blowing inside. Do not try to go outside to protect your property during a storm. Stay indoors until the storm has passed.
Stay away from skylights, windows and doors.
After the storm has passed, verify that you can safely move around outside. Avoid any broken or downed branches and power lines.
Check the trees, shrubs and plants around your house. If they are stripped of their foliage, there is a possibility your roof is damaged. Dented patio covers, screens or soft aluminum roof vents could also indicate roof damage.
Cover any broken windows and holes in your roof to prevent water intrusion following hail damage.
For more home and family safety tips visit www.protect-your-home.org or www.flash.org.
MEDIA RELEASE/FEDERAL ALLIANCE FOR SAFE HOMES/ANNA ALEXOPOULOS
