If caught in your car during the storm, stay in the car, and turn on the emergency flashers until the heavy rains subside.

If driving, pull safely onto the shoulder of the road and stay away from any trees that could fall on the vehicle.

Avoid tall structures such as towers, tall trees, fences, telephone lines or power lines. Avoid isolated sheds or other small structures in open areas.

If outside, go inside a building or car.

If indoors, avoid bathtubs, water faucets and sinks because metal pipes can transmit electricity.

Use the following tips to protect your home, family and pets during a thunderstorm:

Please refer to the District Department of Energy & Environment guidance for flooding/flood zone information.

If you cannot return home and need shelter, follow the official information given to you by the District Government to find the nearest available shelter in your area.

Evacuate if told to do so by District officials.

Turn off and unplug all electrical equipment, including telephones and televisions.

Remove any dead, broken, or rotting tree branches that could fall during a severe thunderstorm.

Secure outdoor objects, such as lawn furniture and garbage cans that could blow away or cause damage or injury.

Plan how to communicate if you lose power. It is important to know how you will contact one another, how and where you will meet and what you will do in case of an emergency.

Your family members may not all be in one place when disaster strikes. Download the free HSEMA app or AlertDC to receive updates wherever you are.

Stay Informed through local radio, television or official social media accounts.Use the following tips to prepare your home, family, and pets before a thunderstorm:

Download severe thunderstorm watch