Although it doesn’t get the publicity that tornadoes and hurricanes receive, lightning is the second leading cause of storm related deaths, trailing only flood. Lightning occurs with ALL thunderstorms. An average 49 deaths and hundreds more injuries occur around the U.S. annually. An estimated 100,000 thunderstorms occur nationwide each year. The southeast Texas area averages 50 to 60 days with thunderstorms per year.

• Know the county you live in. Severe weather warnings are issued on a county basis. It’s also helpful to know the names of the major cities nearby.
• Understand the hazards of lightnings storms: fires, power surges, and shock waves.
• Put Together an Emergency Kit: Put together a basic emergency kit. Check emergency equipment, such as flashlights, generators and storm shutters. Make sure everyone in your family knows where it is located.
• Write or review your Family Emergency Plan: Before an emergency happens, sit down with your family or close friends and decide how you will get in contact with each other, where you will go, and what you will do in an emergency. Keep a copy of this plan in your emergency supplies kit or another safe place where you can access it in the event of a disaster. Start at the Ready.Gov emergency plan webpage.
• Review Your Insurance Policies: Review your insurance policies to ensure that you have adequate coverage for your home and personal property.
• Understand NWS forecast products, especially the meaning of NWS watches and warnings.