Show Frightful weather Diane Wells Contributing Writer In the wake of the devastating devastating devastating devas- devas tating hurricane Hugo peoples people's lives belongings arid hopes hOlies have been dashed by angry winds and rain Hopefully you will never have to endure as tragic an experience But if Mother Nature Nature Nature Na Na- ture does have a bout with PMS do you know what to todo todo todo do in case of a weather emergency emergency emergency emer emer- gency When the weather outside is frightful you face hazards that could be serious and sometimes even threaten life ing Gusting Ousting winds booming noises and heavy rains are frightening but the real danger in a thunderstorm is ligh lightening Ride out the storm in a building or automobile When lightning strikes a car its outside metal frame allows the current to tobe tobe tobe be discharged harmlessly into the ground A nonmetal convertible convertible convertible con con- top does not provide the same protection Never seek shelter under an umbrella a tree in a tent or shed that stands alone in inan inan inan an open area Lightning is a large electrical spark that can travel down the support pole Role and electrocute electrocute- you When a tree is struck by lightning the temperature of the sap rises and could cause the tree to explode Flood warnings are issued hours in advance of emergencies cies des but if you live near a river basin or stream there is the danger of flash flooding If you are trapped at home during a flash flood call the local police or fire department department department depart depart- ment for help Do not try to swim or wade through a flowing stream of water that is above your knees Even in water only few inches deep it could be difficult for you to see where you are stepping You could fall into a ditch or step on debris or a live electrical wire If rising water floods your house go to the top floor and watch for res res- res- res cuers |