Buena Vista, Colorado

The following is a list of some thunderstorm safety rules that
can be passed along to residents of... and visitors to... southern
Colorado.

If you plan to be outdoors... check the latest weather
information. If thunderstorms are in the forecast... you may want
to curtail outdoor activities. If you are outdoors and hear
thunder... the best thing to do is get indoors into a substantial
building... or get into any hard topped vehicle.

Lightning can strike several miles away from the storm... where it
is not raining and where you may be. In Colorado... lightning can
occur with thunderstorms that produce little if any rain. Do not
wait to long to take action. Deadly lightning can occur with all
thunderstorms. Wait 30 minutes until the last rumble of thunder
before resuming outdoor activities.

If you are caught outdoors during a lightning storm... and there
is no safe shelter nearby... there is not much you can do to
reduce your risk of being struck by lightning. The best thing to
do is find a low spot and stay away from trees. If you are in
the mountains and are above timberline... go to a lower area. If
you are below timberline... try to find an open area away from
trees. If you are in an area of dense trees... do your best to
stay away from the tallest trees.

If you are in a group... stay apart. If someone is struck...
others will be able to help the victim.

If you are driving... visibilities will be greatly reduced during
heavy downpours of rain and small hail. Turn your lights on and
slow down to avoid hydroplaning on ponded water on roadways. You
may also want to wait out the storm by exiting or pulling all the
way off the roadway. Turn your flashers on so you can be easily
seen.