HOW TO HANDLE THUNDER, LIGHTNING AND HAIL STORMS

Thunderstorms may pass by quickly, but can damage property or harm people in an instant--and thunderstorms spawn tornadoes in all parts of the country. Although some storms can't be predicted, you can take steps to protect yourself and your property.

Prepare ahead of time:

• Review your homeowners insurance policy to ensure you have adequate protection and appropriate coverage's. Call us to review your coverage.

• Homeowners policies provide coverage for valuables, up to certain limits. For maximum protection, you should have jewelry, silverware, furs and other valuables appraised, then scheduled separately to your policy. You'll get the broadest coverage possible, with no deductible. Ask us for more information.

• Take an inventory of your personal property. Document this inventory with a videotape or photographs. Store this information and other important documents in a safe deposit box. Carroll K. Steele Insurance offers a brochure which will guide you, room-by-room, through an inventory -- Come in or call us for your free copy.

Prepare family members:

• Teach your children what to do in the event of an emergency.

• Have a family member take a first aid and CPR course if possible.

• Ask an out-of-town friend or relative to be your "family contact." After a disaster, anyone not at home should check in with the contact person.

• Know where your pets or animals like to hide so you can find them before a storm.

• Learn the thunderstorm danger signs: dark, towering, or threatening clouds and the sound or appearance of distant lightning and thunder.

Take steps to minimize damage to your property:

• Cut tree branches that could break windows and enter your home.

• Install lightning rods to conduct lightning safely to the ground.

Assemble disaster supplies:

• First aid supplies, including sterile gauze pads, scissors, bandages, tweezers, antiseptic spray, latex gloves, burn treatments, and a bar of antibacterial soap.

• Prescription and non-prescription medicines, including non-prescription pain relievers, antacid, eye wash, rubbing alcohol, and medicine to induce vomiting in the event of poisoning.

• Battery-operated radio with extra batteries and note indicating station to turn to for emergency information.

• Flashlight and extra batteries.

• Cash or travelers checks.

• Dry clothes and shoes for each family member.

• Sleeping bags and a tent.

• Toilet paper and other personal hygiene items.

• Special items required for babies or pets.

Prepare emergency rations:

• Stock up on bottled water and non-perishable food, such as canned meats, soup, juice and powdered milk.

• Set aside emergency cooking utensils, including a manual can opener, matches, sterno and lightweight cooking pots.

• Store emergency rations of food or beverages in non-breakable containers.

Just before the storm:

Bring patio furniture and toys into the house or a secured garage. Secure large items, such as boats or swing sets, to the ground.

If hail is predicted, it is important to get animals to shelter, as they are especially vulnerable.

Close all doors and secure all windows.

If you can get indoors:

Listen for radio reports (on a battery-powered radio only) from the National Weather Service and follow all instructions.

Do not handle any electrical equipment or telephones, because lightning can follow the wire. Television sets are particularly dangerous at this time.

Avoid bathtubs, water faucets, and sinks because metal pipes can transmit electricity.

If high winds are predicted:

• Make sure each family member is prepared to follow directions, stay calm and take safety precautions.

• Avoid using utilities during the storm. Rely on candles and battery-powered appliances instead.

• Identify the safest rooms in your house in which to weather the storm, preferably internal rooms with no windows. Wait out the storm there.

If you are caught outdoors:

Get into a building or car if at all possible.

If shelter isn't available, stay in the open and squat low to the ground as quickly as possible. Do not shelter under anything tall, such as a tree, fence, tower or telephone lines.

If you are in the woods, get under a low clump of trees.

Avoid metal objects that will act as natural lightning rods; these could be anything from farm equipment to fishing rods, bicycles, golf clubs or camping equipment.

Avoid water: rivers, lakes, ponds or streams. Be aware of the potential for flooding in low-lying areas.

If you are isolated in a level field or prairie and you feel your hair stand on end (which indicates that lightning is about to strike), drop to your knees and bend forward, putting your hands on your knees. Do not lie flat on the ground.

If you are in a car:

Pull off the road. Don't stop under trees.

Stay in your car with the emergency flashers turned on until the storm is over.

Avoid low-lying areas where flooded roads are likely.

After the storm:

Care for anyone who has been struck by lightning.