Amica Insurance has compiled some tips to help you stay safe during nature's most hazardous weather patterns in this helpful infographic.

1. READY to
WEATHER the STORM?
Severe weather impacts every part of the U.S., whether it’s a winter storm, tornado,
hurricane or wildfire. Everyone should take the necessary steps to prepare for these potentially dangerous
situations, so we compiled a few tips to help you stay safe during and after nature’s most hazardous weather patterns. Keep yourself updated on how to survive any storm, so that you and your family can be your own
force of nature.
Lightning
WINTER STORMS
The snowiest city in the U.S. is
Syracuse, N.Y., which averages
128 inches of snow yearly.
Lightning can heat the surrounding
air up to 50,0000 F, which is
five times hotter than the sun.
• Keep Watch for Hypothermia:
Seek medical attention if anyone
exhibits warning signs, like uncontrollable shivering, disorientation or slurred speech.
• Remember the 30/30 Rule:
Head indoors if you can’t
count to 30 between seeing
lightning and hearing thunder.
Wait 30 minutes after the
storm before leaving
your shelter.
• Build a Snow Fort: If you’re stranded outdoors
during a storm, build a fort. The snow can act
as insulation from wind and freezing temperatures.
• Avoid Concrete Surfaces:
Concrete walls and floors,
like those found in
basements, conduct
electricity.
Wildfires
More than 100,000 wildfires occur in the
U.S. each year, destroying up to 5 million
acres of land.
• Strategically Place Lawn Sprinklers: Keep
them near any above-ground fuel tanks and
leave them on during a wildfire to douse
the structure.
TORNADOES
Each year, about 1,200 tornadoes
strike the U.S. While they can last
longer than an hour, most last less
than 10 minutes.
• Know the Tornado Warning Signs:
Seek shelter if you see a greenish sky, large
hail, a low-hanging, rotating cloud or hear
a loud roar like a train.
• Cover Your Vents: Keep
vents covered with mesh
to prevent sparks and
embers from entering
your home.
• Avoid the Tornado’s Path: If you’re trapped
in a car and see a tornado, drive out of its
path by moving at right angles.
EXTREME HEAT
The worst heat wave occurred
in the summer of 1980, when
more than 1,250 people died
in the U.S.
Hurricanes
Hurricanes can pack wind speeds of more
than 160 mph and can unleash more than
2.4 trillion gallons of rain a day.
• Have Plenty of Water Supplies: Fill all empty containers
with drinking water. Fill sinks and bathtubs to provide an
extra supply for washing.
• Use Plywood to Reinforce Windows: Tape does not
protect windows from flying debris. It might keep more
• of the glass together when impacted, but it will not keep
it in place.
BE PREPARED
• Take a Cool Shower: Fans
do not prevent heat-related illnesses when the temperature
is in the high 90s.
• Eat Lightly: Avoid hot foods
and heavy meals, as they only
add heat to your body.
• Keep Watch for Heat Stroke:
Seek medical attention if
anyone exhibits warning signs
– like extremely high body
temperature, red/hot/dry skin,
nausea or a rapid,
strong pulse.
Before the Storm Hits
Prior to any storm, ensure your family has practiced an
emergency evacuation plan and has emergency kits in your
home and cars. Keeping the kit fresh is a great way to be
prepared for nature’s severe weather. Include items like:
• First-aid supplies
• Food and water
Sources:
• http://www.ready.gov
• http://www.noaa.gov
• Essential prescription medicines
• Battery-operated radio
• http://www.weatherchannel.com
• http://www.cdc.gov
• http://www.nationalgeographic.com
• http://www.disastersafety.org