Greenville, Illinois

... Safety rules for severe thunderstorms...

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued by the National Weather
Service. In the interest of public safety... the following safety
rules are provided. Public and commercial broadcast stations
serving the affected area are asked to broadcast these safety
messages frequently while the watch is in effect.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means conditions are favorable for the
development of severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area.
If you are in the watch area... keep up to date of the latest
weather information. These storms can develop rapidly so there may
be occasions when advance warning is not possible.

A Severe Thunderstorm Warning means a severe thunderstorm has been
observed or indicated by radar. If you are in the path or near the
storm... take immediate actions to protect life and property. Follow
these safety rules:

1) in open country... you should seek shelter and avoid trees which
can be targets for lightning. If there is no shelter... go to a
ditch or culvert but beware of rising water which can cause
flooding.

2) when indoors... stay away from outside walls and windows and go
to an interior room on the lowest level. Avoid using electrical
appliances while the storm is nearby.

3) in Mobile homes... you should leave and seek nearby safe shelter.

4) if swimming or on a boat... you should get to shore as quickly as
possible and find shelter.

A thunderstorm is considered severe when it contains 3/4 inch or
larger diameter size hail and/or wind gusts of 58 miles an hour or
greater. A severe thunderstorm also produces deadly lightning and
very heavy rain which can lead to flash flooding.

Remember... with any severe thunderstorm there is always the
possibility of tornadoes.