Severe weather is nothing new to Ohioans. Thunderstorms and lightning typically usher in the warm weather of summer in this region, and have the potential to turn severe quickly. For families who will spend a significant amount of time outdoors watching ball games, enjoying the bike paths and parks or strolling through neighborhoods, it’s important to know a safety plan should a storm produce lightning or a tornado.

The Ohio Committee on Severe Weather promotes National Lightning Safety Awareness Week June 20-26, focusing on building awareness of what to do during dangerous lightning. Seeking shelter from an exposed outdoor site is most important during lightning. Visit www.weathersafety.ohio.gov for more safety recommendations, including:

• Thunder is often a cue for lightning. Lightning can strike up to 10 miles from where it is raining. If you hear thunder roar, head indoors.

• Most outdoor activities stop after the first clap of thunder. Head to your vehicle or the nearest large building to reduce the risk of exposure in the storm. Avoid long-term shelter in small structures that are not designed for storm protection.

• Once indoors, avoid water and electricity during the course of the storm. That means staying off of items that use electricity, including computers and land-line phones, as well as indoor and outdoor pools, bathtubs and showers, and other plumbing.

• Before heading back outdoors, wait 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder and last strike of lightning.

• Don’t forget your pets. Dog houses are typically small structures that are not lightning safe. Bring your animal into the house or garage to help protect them.

• If someone around you has been struck by lightning, call 9-1-1 immediately for medical assistance.

Tornados are another weather emergency that can happen in Ohio. Although little can be done to protect property during a tornado, there are strategies to help protect you and your family. Here are a few important tips from the Franklin County Emergency Management Agency and the Westerville Fire Division:

• Know the difference between a tornado watch and a warning. A watch means that conditions are favorable for a tornado. A warning means that a tornado has been sighted in the area.

• Every Wednesday at noon, the Franklin County Emergency Management Agency tests its tornado warning system to ensure proper operation. Note: These outdoor warning sirens are designed to be heard only outdoors.

• When a warning is in effect for Franklin County, a tornado warning siren will sound for 3 minutes, then shut off for 7 minutes. This sequence will be repeated as long as the tornado remains in the area.

• Keep apprised of the weather by listening to local TV and radio newscasts. If you do not already have a tone-activated, battery back-up radio, the Westerville Fire Division encourages you to have one in the home.

• Always avoid windows at all costs, and go directly to a safe place.

INSIDE A HOUSE OR APARTMENT: Take cover in the basement if possible, or under something sturdy. In homes without basements, the safest place is a small room with no windows on the lowest level, such as a closet, bathroom or hallway.

DO NOT STAY IN A MOBILE HOME: Instead, take cover at a nearby shelter if time allows, or take cover in a nearby ravine or ditch. Also, do not take cover under the mobile home.

AT SCHOOL: Take cover in an interior hallway on the lowest level. Stay away from auditoriums, gymnasiums and windows.

AT AN OFFICE BUILDING: Move to the inner-most section on the lowest floor possible. Avoid elevators, windows and glass doorways.

AT A SHOPPING CENTER: Go to a restroom for protection if time allows. Otherwise, take cover and try to get up against something sturdy that will provide protection from falling debris. Stay away from windows, and do not attempt to go to your car.

IN AN OPEN FIELD: Lie flat in the nearest depression (such as a ditch or a ravine), and shield your head from flying debris.

INSIDE A VEHICLE IS THE WORST PLACE TO BE DURING A TORNADO! Do not try to outrun a tornado in a car. Stop the car and get out as soon as possible, and take cover in a nearby ditch or ravine. Do not take cover underneath a vehicle. Lie flat and shield your head from flying debris.

For more information, contact the Westerville Division of Fire at 614-901-6500, or visit www.weathersafety.ohio.gov.