Environment Canada's coast to coast weather warning program
combines the resources of high technology, skilled meteorological
staff and the dedication of thousands of severe weather volunteers.
To help make your summers safer and more enjoyable Environment
Canada offers you the following weather emergency advice:

THUNDERSTORM THOUGHTS
Downpours accompanying thunderstorms can cause flash floods,
so do not shelter where you may be trapped by rising water.  Beware
of gusts during thunderstorms causing great damage. Fasten down
or take indoors moveable objects such as garden tools or chairs.

TORNADO TIPS
When a tornado threatens, stay away from windows, doors and
outside walls. Protect your head. For maximum safety go down to
the basement or failing that, shelter under a stairway or sturdy table
or in a closet.  Try to reach the centre of the house or the side away
from the storm.

Avoid buildings with large areas of unsupported roof, like arenas,
barns or supermarkets. If caught in such a building, head for the lowest
floor, an inside hallway or small room, or get under something sturdy.

If caught in the open, move away from the tornado's path at a right angle.

If the tornado catches up with you find a ditch, ravine or other depression
and lie flat. Do not remain in your car. You may be trapped if it overturns.

If no shelter can be found hang on to a small tree or shrub.

LIGHTNING LEADS
Don't make yourself into a lightning rod or stand near a possible lightning conductor.

Don't project yourself above the surrounding terrain.

Stay indoors and away from electrical appliances. Avoid using phones or showers.

If caught outdoors don't stand near tall objects like trees and utility poles.

In open country drop to your knees, bend forward so that your head is lower
than your back, put your hands on your thighs but don't let your head touch
the ground. Don't lie flat on the ground.

Stay away from open water, and metal objects such as clotheslines, wire fences,
rails, golf carts, bicycles and farm machinery.

Don't carry such things as umbrellas, golf clubs, fishing rods.

Remember: people struck by lightning receive severe shocks and may be burned,
but they can be handled safely. They don't hold a charge. Even victims who appear
dead may be revived.

HAILSTORM HELP
Don't forget large hail often accompanies severe thunderstorms. If caught outdoors,
crouch to present as small an area as possible and protect your head and neck.
Vulnerable items like the family car should be sheltered.

"ALERT" ADVICE
Severe weather watch: This means severe thunderstorms may occur in your area
up to six hours after the watch is given. Look for towering thunderclouds, unusual
darkness and frequent lightning. Listen to radio, TV or Weatheradio Canada (**)
for the latest information.

Severe weather warning: This means a severe thunderstorm or tornado is occurring
or is expected to occur within two hours. Take precautions outlined above.

For further information on Canada's Weather Warning Program please contact
Environment Canada.
 

** Weatheradio Canada is a network of weather information transmitters located
across Canada and may be heard on any VHF scanner or radio designed specifically
for the weather band:

Windsor 161.475 MHz
Sarnia    161.400 MHz
London  162.475 MHz
Marine Weather Broadcasts can be heard on 161.775 Mhz.

This page current as of August 01, 2010.