Summer Storms

CALLING LAKES

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Thunderstorms, Tornadoes, Lightning...Nature's Most Violent Storms (PDF)
Team Tornado Hunter (Greg Johnson) Storm Safety
Environment Canada on Severe Storms
Environment Canada on Before Severe Storms
Environment Canada on During Severe Storms
​Environment Canada on Tornadoes
Environment Canada on During Tornadoes

Summer storms happen every year. Some are minor, some are strong enough to produce tornadoes. Below are the hazards that are produced by summer storms and what you can do to keep yourself safe from them.

General Summer Storm Tips

• Always take shelter
• There is no safe place outside during a thunderstorm. Safe shelter can be found either in an enclosed building or hard-topped vehicle. Avoid using trees as cover
  
• Never go out boating during a storm. If you are on the water and see a storm approaching, head for shore
  
• Stay away from doors, windows, skylights and fireplaces
  
• If you are advised by officials to evacuate, do so. Take your emergency kit with you.
  

Heavy Rain

• Heavy rain can result in flooding.
• Consider checking the drainage around your house to reduce the possibility of basement flooding
  
• Avoid any low lying areas that may flood
  

High Winds

• If a severe storm is forecast, secure everything that might be blown or torn loose. Flying objects can harm people and property

Hail

• If hail is forecast, you may want to move your vehicle into the garage
• Take cover when hail begins. Do not go outside to cover plants, move vehicles, etc.
  
• Stay away from windows, doors and skylights
  

​Lightning

• If you see lightning or hear thunder, you are in danger of being hit
• It does not have to be raining to have lightning strike
  
• Stay away from items that conduct electricity, such as coreded telephones, appliances, sinks, bathtubs, radiators and metal pipes
  
• Wait 30 minutes after the last lightning strike before venturing outside again
  

​​Tornadoes
Warning signs of a potential tornado:

• ​​Severe thunderstorms, with frequent thunder and lightning
• An extremely dark sky, sometimes highlighted by green or yellow clouds
  
• A rumbling sound or a whistling sound
  
• A funnel cloud at the rear base of a thundercloud, often behind a curtain of heavy rain or hail
  

During a tornado:

• Take shelter
• ​Ideally in a basement. If a basement is not possible, under a sturdy piece of furniture like a desk or table
  
• Avoid windows, outside walls and doors
  
• Avoid cars and mobile homes
  
• Get as close to the ground as possible and protect your head
  
• ​Keep your emergency kit as close to you as possible
  
• Listen to the radio for updates​

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