Tornadoes

Tornados may develop with little or no warning as a storm system moves into the area. Sugar Land does not have a siren warning system, so stay tuned to radio and television. Sophisticated weather radar may detect the presence of tornadic activity in a storm before a funnel develops. If a tornado warning is issued:

  • “Go low, and get low” means go to the lowest level of the structure you’re in, crouch in a low position and cover your head to protect it.
  • In your home, take cover in the center part of the house on the lowest floor in a small room, such as a closet or bathroom.
  • Don’t waste time opening windows in buildings. This serves no purpose and exposes people to possible flying glass.
  • If you are in a manufactured building, leave the structure even if it has a tie-down system. If there is no designated shelter in the mobile home park, take cover in a low protected area.
  • If you’re caught in your car, leave it and seek shelter in a nearby substantial building (if one is available) or lie flat in a close ditch or ravine. Never try to outrun a tornado in your car.
  • A tornado may cause downed power lines, broken gas lines, overturned vehicles and other hazards.
  • If you are out in the open, seek shelter in a ditch or ravine. (See detailed info)

Lightning Storms

If you see lightning, watch closely to determine if the storm is approaching.
  • If you can hear thunder or see a bolt strike the ground, you are within 10 to 15 miles of a storm. This is a high danger zone and you should move to a safe location within a building.
  • Avoid using equipment or phones because energy from lightning may follow electric or telephone wires.
  • Television sets are particularly dangerous at this time.
  • Turn off air conditioners. Power surges from lightning can overload the compressors.
  • Avoid the bathtub, water faucets and sinks because metal pipes can conduct electricity.
If you’re outdoors, observe the following safety rules:
  • Try to get into a building or a vehicle.
  • If no structure is available, get to an open space and squat as low to the ground as possible, covering your head.
  • If you’re in an area with trees, find an area protected by low clumps of trees. Never stand underneath a single large tree in the open.
  • Stay away from tall structures, such as trees, phone lines or power lines.
  • Stay away from natural lightning rods, such as golf clubs, tractors, fishing rods, bicycles, metal bats or camping equipment.
  • Avoid rivers, lakes or other bodies of water.
  • If you feel your hair stand on end (an indication that lightning is about to strike), bend
    forward, putting your hands on your knees.
  • Don’t lie flat on the ground.
  • If you’re in your car during a lightning storm, pull onto the shoulder and stay in the vehicle.
  • Don’t touch any metal on the inside of your vehicle.