RedCrossPhillyBlog

Category: Safety Tips

  • TEST your smoke alarms as you TURN your clocks back this weekend

    By Dave Skutnik

    Red Cross graphic – Safety tips for when daylight saving time ends: 1. It will get dark earlier, so wear reflective clothing if you run or walk after work. 2. Remember to test your smoke alarm to ensure it’s working. 3. Avoid hanging decorations above active fireplaces.

    Daylight saving time ends this Sunday morning, November 5, and the American Red Cross encourages everyone to test their smoke alarms as theyturn their clocks back to make sure the alarms are working.

    “Home fires claim more lives every year than all natural disasters combined, but working smoke alarms can cut the risk of dying in a home fire in half,” said American Red Cross of Southeastern Pennsylvania CEO Jennifer Graham. “The sooner an alarm alerts you to a fire, the sooner you can get out. When you turn your clocks back this weekend, test your smoke alarms too to help prevent a tragedy in your home.”

    In 2023 so far, local Red Cross volunteers responded to help nearly 2,000 people in Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties affected by at least 600 home fires, which account for most of the more than 60,000 disasters that the Red Cross responds to annually across the country.

    SMOKE ALARMS

    When turning your clocks back this weekend, test your smoke alarms and replace the batteries if needed. Visit redcross.org/fire for more information, including an escape plan to create and practice with your family, or download the free Red Cross Emergency app by searching “American Red Cross” in app stores.

    • Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas.
    • Replace smoke alarms that are 10 years or older. Components such as sensors can become less sensitive over time. Follow your alarm’s manufacturer instructions.
    • Practice your two-minute home fire escape plan. Make sure everyone in your household can get out in less than two minutes — the amount of time you may have to escape a burning home before it’s too late.
    • Include at least two ways to get out of every room and select a meeting spot at a safe distance away from your home, such as your neighbor’s home or landmark like a specific tree in your front yard, where everyone can meet.

    IF YOU NEED HELP

    If you cannot afford to purchase smoke alarms or are physically unable to install one, the Red Cross may be able to help. Visit soundthealarm.org/philly or call 215-299-4029 for more information.

    HOME FIRE CAMPAIGN SAVE LIVES

    Since October 2014, the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, working with community partners, has saved at least 1,969 lives by educating families about fire safety, helping them create escape plans and installing free smoke alarms in high-risk areas across the country. To learn more about the campaign and how you can get involved, visit redcross.org/homefires. 

  • Tips for keeping trick-or-treaters safe this Halloween

    By Haley Heisley

    Red Cross graphic – Be on the lookout for trick-or-treaters!

    With Halloween and Fall festivities all month preparing us for the big night, it is easy to get caught up in all of the excitement and sometimes let little safety tips slip your mind! Through experience, research, and observation I have compiled a list of ways for you and your children to stay safe and happy this Halloween night. However, I still haven’t thought of any ideas to keep the monsters and ghosts away!

    • Wear “flame-resistant” clothing/costumes (cotton, polyester, nylon).
    • Perform “patch tests” with all makeup and fake blood 24-48 hours before getting ready on Halloween Night. By applying a little bit onto a small patch of skin preferably on the arm, you’ll be able to make sure the product is safe and doesn’t cause an allergic reaction.
    • Make sure masks and costumes don’t obscure your vision too much! It might seem fine in the bright costume store, but walking around in the dark at night might be a different story.
    • The brighter the better! Wearing reflective and bright costumes are a smart alternative since children will be running around at night and crossing streets. You can even just add a strip of reflective tape
    • Don’t eat any candy until you get home! I never understood this rule when I was younger and trick-or-treating, but as I grew older I realized why it was always told to me. This should be a rule everyone follows because of a variety of reasons including food allergies, tampered wrappers/pin holes/opened candy, choking hazards, etc.
    • Nothing in your eye! A popular item that children and even adults like to try out are colored contact lenses. If you are going as a cat and want green eyes, it is best to hold off. These colored lenses you may find at a drug store or costume store are not FDA approved and are actually illegal. Nothing should ever be put especially into your eye unless it is prescribed from an eye care professional. 

    By keeping all of these points in mind this Halloween, we can expect tons of treats and hopefully no tricks! Get more tips on our website.

  • Secure your world this Cybersecurity Awareness Month

    By Robert Ambrose

    CISA graphic: #SecureOurWorld This Cybersecurity Awareness Month.

    Our digital era has spawned immediate results – email (not postcards), e-billing (not “check in the mail”) and instacart. But, unfortunately, the information age’s unintended byproduct is the harvest for thieves. Since computing involves long strings of 0s and 1s (i.e., binary code) can we infer that your financial well-being, your dating life and your so-called identity (e.g., SSN) is hanging by a cyber thread?

    The top way online thieves exploit the technology and their anonymity is called phishing. For example, if you receive an email asking you for your bank password…under the guise that your bank account is under attack… the email already told you its from the bank…the email requires that you to quickly divulge confidential password data in your reply… or click a link and release your data…then it’s fake. That was a phishing expedition that you did not fall for because you read this Red Cross blog. (We take care of you with more than just natural disasters.)

    Many organizations have an email address to forward questionable emails. PayPal will scan the email in question and advise you on its veracity. In fact, you must not even open a suspicious email because of – in some cases – potential virus deployment. Instead, email to your organization the questionable email as an attachment. (Check YouTube if you need advice how to attach.)

    But what else can you do to prevent your data and money from slipping into digital black hole? Several things are simple. First, use strong passwords with everything in it: upper case and lower case letters, numbers and symbols. Second, after entering the password, activate multifactor authentication – having the organization text/call you to issue a random six-digit code that you input once to enter your online account. Since thieves do not have your phone in their hands, multifactor authentication is formidable defense. Next, update your software; updates are security patches to fortify your online protection.

    Cybersecurity seized the headlines through the last decade. Home Depot, Target and even the U.S. federal government were all hacked. The credit bureau people, Equifax, also suffered a breach. Considering the breadth of the U.S. population that was affected and the money involved, cybersecurity is rightfully a long-running focus. Back in 2004, U.S. Congress and the President declared October as Cybersecurity Awareness Month.

    To learn more, visit the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency website.

  • Great ShakeOut: Get ready to drop, cover and hold on

    By Nathan Fligelman

    Great ShakeOut graphic: Drop! Cover! Hold On!

    Get ready to drop, cover and hold on! October 19th is the international Great ShakeOut – the largest earthquake drill in the world! On 10/19 at 10:19 a.m. (your local time), join millions of people across the globe in practicing 3 simple steps to stay safe during an earthquake: 1. DROP 2. COVER and 3. HOLD ON. Stand (or in this case kneel) and be counted by registering your individual or group participation online!

    Although earthquakes are a scarcity in Southeastern Pennsylvania, it is critical to know, just in case, how to prepare for such an occasion. Listed below are a few tips and considerations to keep in mind if an earthquake rumbles under our area.

    If you are indoors when an earthquake occurs, it is important that you remain inside! The process of dropping, covering, and holding on (to a stable fixture) is the safest recommendation. This helps to prevent damage caused by the falling of debris. Moving around your house is not recommended, as during an earthquake, loss of balance and a resulting fall could be extremely dangerous. Check out this special report for more info about why dropping, covering and holding on is the best course of action.

    Great Shake Out video: What to do if you’re near a sturdy desk or table

    If you have difficulty getting onto the ground, or cannot get back up again without help, use modified recommendations that fit your situation. If you use a cane: drop, cover and hold on or sit on a chair, bed, etc. and cover your head and neck with both hands. Keep your cane near you so it can be used when the shaking stops. If you use a walker or wheelchair: lock your wheels (if applicable) as the first step. If using a walker carefully get as low as possible. Bend over and cover your head/neck with your arms, a book or a pillow. Then hold on until the shaking stops.

    If you happen to be outside when an earthquake strikes, make sure to move away from any objects and/or buildings that could collapse on top of or near you.

    If you are operating machinery or driving a vehicle, stop your action and movements. Make sure not to park under any bridges or near any buildings that have the potential to collapse. Stay inside your vehicle to reduce the risk of personal injury.

    If you find yourself in a mountainous region, you should do your best to find cover from falling rocks, trees, and other cascading elements of the natural scene.

    An earthquake near an ocean has the potential to cause a tsunami. If you’re traveling to one of these areas, especially California, a litany of specialized protection protocols should be reviewed.

    Overall, earthquakes have the potential to be extremely harmful and destructive; this blog serves as a brief guide on how to protect yourself and others if you are traveling in earthquake prone areas. Visit ShakeOut.org to learn more.

  • Tips for staying healthy this flu season

    By Zain Ahmad

    Red Cross graphic: Spread love. Not germs.

    It’s October, and with the fall season starting to ramp up, so is the flu season. Protecting yourself from the flu can help you stay healthy throughout the next few months of increasing flu cases. So, from the Red Cross, here are some tips to help you stay safe from the flu.

    The flu, short for influenza, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by a virus. In the United States 5% to 15% of the population can be affected by it. There are two types of flu viruses: influenza A and influenza B. Both can result in serious complications like dehydration and pneumonia, particularly in those who are considered high risk. These are individuals older than 65 years, very young children, pregnant women, people with chronic illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, chronic kidney disease, and those who have weak immune systems.

    The best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccine. Flu vaccines minimize the chance of getting a flu infection. Receiving a flu vaccine can also result in less trips to the doctor, a more mild flu if you do catch one, and prevents hospitalizations and deaths. So, it is important that you get vaccinated with the flu every year to protect yourself and stay safe. 

    Note that many people wonder if you can still donate blood if you have received this shot, and the answer is yes, you are able to donate blood. The Red Cross will assist you if needed in that process and answer any questions.

    Staying safe from the flu also includes knowing how it spreads. Researchers mainly think that this virus spreads by droplets, and those droplets are created when people cough, sneeze or talk within a range of about 6 feet. The virus can also spread when an infected surface is touched by someone and then that person touches a part of their body such as the mouth or eyes. Hence frequent hand washing, avoiding touching your mouth, eyes and nose and staying away from sick individuals will help prevent getting flu. 

    When someone has the flu, symptoms are detected around 2 days after the flu has entered the person’s body. The first 3-4 days of having the virus is when the infected are contagious. However, anyone with a weak immune system can be contagious for up to a week. 

    So, what are those symptoms? The main ones include fever, sore throat or stuffy nose, cough, body aches and headaches. If you are sick, you should stay home at least for 24 hours after your fever is gone to prevent spreading to others. Also rest and drink plenty of fluids for faster recovery. But in case you feel worse, then please contact your medical provider.

    With these tips and information, make sure to stay healthy and safe this fall and winter seasons when you go outdoors and meet with people. From the Red Cross, stay safe!

  • Fire Prevention Week: Smoke Alarms Save Lives

    By Teliyah Davis

    Every year, Fire Prevention Week serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of fire safety and prevention. One of the most significant advancements in fire safety has been the widespread use of smoke alarms, which have undoubtedly saved countless lives. This year, let’s dive into the essential role smoke alarms play in fire prevention, explore best practices for their placement, and highlight the valuable partnership between the American Red Cross and the community through its Home Fire Campaign.

    Red Cross graphic: Working smoke alarms save lives and cut the risk of death in a fire by half.

    The Lifesaving Power of Smoke Alarms

    Smoke alarms are a simple yet effective tool in the fight against fires. These small devices are designed to detect smoke and emit a loud, piercing alarm when smoke is present. This early warning is crucial, as it provides occupants with the precious seconds needed to evacuate safely.

    The statistics speak for themselves. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), three out of five home fire deaths occur in homes without working smoke alarms. In contrast, homes with properly functioning smoke alarms reduce the risk of death in a fire by half. This makes smoke alarms an absolute must-have in every home.

    Placement Best Practices

    While having smoke alarms is essential, their placement within your home is equally crucial. Here are some best practices to ensure the most effective use of smoke alarms:

    1. Install alarms in every bedroom and outside each sleeping area. This ensures that you will be alerted immediately if a fire starts while you and your family are asleep.
    2. Place alarms on every level of your home. Fires can start anywhere, so having alarms on each floor provides comprehensive coverage.
    3. Interconnect your alarms. If one alarm goes off, all interconnected alarms in the house will sound, increasing the chances of early detection.
    4. Test alarms regularly. Test your smoke alarms monthly to ensure they are functioning correctly, and replace the batteries at least once a year.
    5. Replace alarms as needed. Smoke alarms have a limited lifespan, typically around 10 years. Make sure to replace them when they reach this age.

    The Red Cross Home Fire Campaign

    The American Red Cross understands the vital role that smoke alarms play in home safety. That’s why we have initiated the Home Fire Campaign, a nationwide effort aimed at reducing the number of fire-related deaths and injuries. This campaign involves installing free smoke alarms in high-risk communities, educating families about fire safety, and creating escape plans.

    Through partnerships with local fire departments and volunteers, the Red Cross has been able to make a significant impact. Thousands of homes have been made safer thanks to this program.

    During Fire Prevention Week and throughout the year, take the time to ensure your home is equipped with working smoke alarms and follow the placement best practices. If you or someone you know is in need of smoke alarms, consider reaching out to the Red Cross or your local fire department for assistance.

    Remember, smoke alarms save lives, and by taking these simple steps, you can protect your loved ones and contribute to a safer community. Fire Prevention Week serves as a powerful reminder that fire safety is everyone’s responsibility, and it starts with a small but lifesaving device—the smoke alarm.

  • Fire Prevention Week: Cooking Safety Starts with You

    By Nancy Degnan

    Cooking together with your family and friends is an opportunity to create happy memories. An active kitchen can be a busy place and it is important to be mindful of this to keep yourself, family, and friends safe. With the oven and stove on, you may be tempted, for the sake of time, to turn away to use another appliance or tend to a child’s need.

    Red Cross graphic: Nearly 70% of us have left the kitchen while cooking.

    The Red Cross and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommend that as part of your meal preparation — include a moment for fire safety awareness — to ensure your family meals and celebrations are always cherished occasions.

    Home fires are more likely to start in the kitchen than any other room, so remember “cooking safety starts with you.” The Red Cross in partnership with the NFPA offer some fire safety tips and ideas:

    • Never leave cooking food unattended.
    • Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you must leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.
    • If you are simmering, baking, boiling, or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind yourself that the stove or oven is on.
    • Avoid wearing loose clothing or dangling sleeves while cooking.
    • Keep kids away from cooking areas by enforcing a “kid-free zone” of three feet around the stove.
    • Keep anything that can catch on fire — potholders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, and towels or curtains — away from your stove top and oven or any other appliance in the kitchen that generates heat.
    • Clean cooking surfaces on a regular basis to prevent grease buildup.
    • Consider purchasing a fire extinguisher to keep in your kitchen. Contact your local fire department to take training on the proper use of extinguishers.
    • Always check the kitchen before going to bed or leaving the home to make sure all stoves, ovens, and small appliances are turned off.
    • Install a smoke alarm near your kitchen, on each level of your home, near sleeping areas, and inside and outside bedrooms if you sleep with doors closed. Use the test button to check it each month. Replace all batteries at least once a year.
    Red Cross graphic: Oven Fires – Keep the door closed so the fire doesn’t spread, and call 911.

    There are many available resources to learn about fire safety. Spread the word by sharing what you learn or send this link for free safety tips.There are tips on the topics below and more: 

    • Cooking appliances
    • Microwave safety
    • Scald prevention
    • Campus safety
    • Thanksgiving
    • Shabbat Safety
    • Escape planning
    • Smoke Alarms at Home

    NFPA also offers free safety tip sheets in other languages on a variety of fire and life safety topics.

    Visit our website for more information on how to prevent cooking fires and how to make a difference in home fire safety.

  • Essential tips for protecting yourself from mosquitoes, ticks and poison sumac/ivy

    By Samantha Antenucci 

    As the warm weather arrives, so do unwelcome visitors like mosquitoes, ticks, and poisonous plants such as sumac and ivy. These nuisances can turn outdoor adventures into unpleasant experiences or pose health risks. However, with proper knowledge and preventive measures, you can protect yourself and enjoy the great outdoors without worry.

    Mosquito Protection

    CDC graphic – Mosquito bites can make you sick and spread germs. Mosquitoes bite day and night. Use insect repellent. It works! Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Mosquito-proof your home.

    Mosquitoes are irritating but can also transmit diseases such as dengue fever, West Nile virus, and Zika virus. To protect yourself from these tiny but troublesome insects, consider the following precautions:

    • Apply an effective mosquito repellent containing DEET or picaridin to exposed skin and clothing. Reapply as directed on the product label.
    • Consider wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks to minimize exposed skin. Opt for light-colored clothing, as mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors.
    • Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water, so regularly empty and clean items like flowerpots, bird baths, and gutters. Keep your surroundings free of stagnant water to reduce their breeding sites.

    Tick Prevention

    Red Cross graphic – Avoid walking in tall grass or underbrush. Apply insect repellent with DEET. Wear light-colored clothing to easily spot ticks.

    Ticks are known carriers of Lyme disease, among other illnesses, making tick prevention crucial for anyone spending time in wooded or grassy areas. Consider the following measures to safeguard against ticks:

    • Treat your clothing, shoes, and gear with permethrin, a potent tick repellent. Tuck pants into socks and choose closed-toe shoes to minimize tick access.
    • After spending time outdoors, carefully inspect your body and clothing for ticks. Pay particular attention to hidden areas such as the scalp, behind the ears, and between the toes.
    • Avoid walking through tall grass or brush, as these are prime habitats for ticks. Stick to designated paths whenever possible.
    • If you find a tick attached to your skin, use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp it as close to the skin’s surface as possible and pull upward with steady pressure. Avoid twisting or jerking, as this may cause the mouthparts to break off and remain embedded.

    Poison Sumac/Ivy Awareness

    FDA video: 4 Tips to Outsmarting Poisonous Plants

    Contact with poison sumac or poison ivy can result in an itchy, blistering rash caused by the plant’s oily resin. To protect yourself from these plants:

    • Familiarize yourself with the appearance of poison sumac and poison ivy, which typically have clusters of three leaflets. Poison sumac usually has smooth-edged leaves, while poison ivy may have notched or irregular edges.
    • Cover your skin with long sleeves, pants, and gloves while working or hiking in areas where poison sumac or poison ivy may be present. Wash these clothes separately to avoid spreading the resin.
    • If you come in contact with poison sumac or poison ivy, wash your skin with soap and water as soon as possible to remove the resin and minimize the chance of a reaction.
    • Consider seeking medical attention if you develop a rash or experience severe symptoms after exposure.

    Prioritizing your safety and taking proactive measures against these outdoor hazards allows you to enjoy nature’s beauty fully while minimizing potential health risks. By incorporating these preventive measures into your outdoor routine, you can ensure that your adventures are free from the annoyances and discomfort caused by mosquitoes, ticks, and poisonous plants. Stay informed, prepared, and protected, and make the most of your outdoor experiences.

  • Tips for a happy and safe day at the beach

    By Christal Harte

    As summer approaches, many of us eagerly anticipate the sun-soaked days spent at the beach. Whether you’re a seasoned beachgoer or a first-timer, it’s crucial to prioritize safety to ensure a memorable and incident-free experience. In this friendly article, we’ve compiled a range of beach safety tips, covering essential topics such as rip tides, jellyfish encounters, and UV protection. Additionally, we’ll wrap up with a cool beach movie recommendation for those relaxing evenings after a day in the sun.

    Beware of Rip Tides

    Red Cross graphic – How to escape a rip current: 1. Relax your body and don’t fight the current. 2. Swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current. 3, Turn and swim toward the shore. If you can’t make it to the shore, wave and call for help.

    Rip tides, also known as rip currents, can be treacherous and catch even the most experienced swimmers off-guard. The Red Cross has tons of valuable resources and I’ve listed a few tips:

    • Always swim in designated areas with lifeguards present.
    • If caught in a rip tide, remain calm and avoid swimming against the current. Instead, swim parallel to the shoreline until you’re out of the rip, then head back to the beach.
    • Educate yourself about the signs of rip currents, such as a noticeable difference in water color, choppier waves, or areas of foamy water.

    Dealing with Jellyfish Encounters

    Red Cross graphic – If you’re stung by a jellyfish: 1. Get out of the water. 2. Remove any tentacles still attached to your skin. 3. Rinse the area with with sea water. 4. Apply got water or a hot pack for 20 min. or until the pain is relieved. 5. Call 9 1 1 if necessary.

    While jellyfish can sometimes disrupt our beach adventures, following these tips can help minimize the risk of painful stings:

    • Check for local jellyfish warnings before entering the water. (Healthline has a list of different flag warnings)
    • If you spot a jellyfish, keep a safe distance and avoid touching it.
    • Vinegar or a mixture of seawater and baking soda can help alleviate the pain from jellyfish stings. Remember to consult a lifeguard or medical professional for further assistance.

    Protecting Your Skin from Harmful UV Rays:

    CDC graphic: Long-sleeved shirts, pants and a wide-brimmed hat offer the best protection. If you’re wearing a baseball cap or short-sleeved shirt, make sure to put sunscreen on your ears, neck and arms.

    Listen, we should all get into the habit of wearing SPF year round, sunburns not only ruin the fun but also increase the risk of long-term skin damage and skin cancer. Ensure proper sun protection by: 

    • Applying broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30, and reapplying every two hours or after swimming.
    • Wearing protective clothing such as hats, sunglasses, and lightweight long-sleeve shirts.
    • Seeking shade during peak sun hours, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

    Thanks for spending time with me learning about a few safety trips when you head to the beach. When you are home and recovering from your sand-filled day, why not watch the film “Cast Away?”

    “Cast Away” is a gripping and thought-provoking film that takes you on a thrilling journey of survival and self-discovery. Starring Tom Hanks in a remarkable performance, the movie tells the story of Chuck Noland, a FedEx executive who finds himself stranded on a deserted island after a plane crash.

  • Tips for a fun and safe July 4th

    By Alana Mauger

    Independence Day is just ahead, and your plans might include fireworks displays, backyard picnics or spending time outdoors. The American Red Cross offers these tips so you can enjoy a fun-packed, safe holiday.

    FIREWORKS SAFETY

    Red Cross fireworks graphic – Do this, not that: Keep water nearby in case fireworks start a fire. Don’t point fireworks at pets. Wear eye protection if you light a firework. Never try relighting a dud.

    The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public firework show put on by professionals. Stay at least 500 feet away from the show. Many states outlaw most fireworks. Leave any area immediately where untrained amateurs are using fireworks. If you are setting fireworks off at home, follow these safety steps:

    1. Never give fireworks to small children, and never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials. Always follow the instructions on the packaging.
    2. Keep a supply of water close by as a precaution.
    3. Make sure the person lighting fireworks always wears eye protection.
    4. Light only one firework at a time and never attempt to relight “a dud.”
    5. Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.

    PICNIC AND GRILLING SAFETY

    Red Cross graphic – Have a perfect picnic: Don’t catch your house on fire by grilling too close. Don’t leave perishable food in the sun. Keep pets away from grills.

    July 4th is a great time to get outside for a picnic or to fire up the grill. Follow these tips to prevent illness and keep everyone safe:

    1. Wash your hands before preparing the food.
    2. Don’t leave food out in the hot sun. Keep perishable foods in a cooler with plenty of ice or freezer gel packs.
    3. If you are going to cook on the grill, never grill indoors. Keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, the deck, tree branches or anything that could catch fire.
    4. Always supervise the grill when in use. Don’t add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited. Use the long-handled tools especially made for cooking on the grill to keep the chef safe.
    5. Make sure everyone, including pets, stays away from the grill.

    SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY

    Red Cross graphic – If you’re outside during a thunderstorm: Avoid high ground; don’t shelter in dugouts; stay away from isolated trees.

    According to the National Weather Service, there is no safe place outside when a thunderstorm is in the area. If you can hear thunder, you’re close enough to be in danger from lightning. Follow this tips:

    1. Listen to local news or NOAA Weather Radio for emergency updates. Watch for signs of a storm, like darkening skies, lightning flashes or increasing wind.
    2. Postpone outdoor activities if thunderstorms are likely to occur. Many people struck by lightning are not in the area where rain is occurring.
    3. Move inside at the first clap of thunder and stay inside at least 30 minutes after the last thunderclap. Don’t wait to seek shelter until the storm is overhead or it starts to rain.
    4. If a severe thunderstorm warning is issued, take shelter in a substantial building or in a vehicle with the windows closed. Get out of mobile homes that can blow over in high winds.

    BE PREPARED

    Download our free Red Cross Emergency, First Aid and Swim apps for instant access to safety tips and information.

    Red Cross graphic – What should I do if: Someone has an allergic reaction? I burned my hand? My friend needs to remove a tick. Get these answers fast. Download the Red Cross First Aid app.