AFTER:

Check for injuries.
A person who has been struck by lightning does not carry an electrical charge that can shock other people. If the victim is burned, provide first aid and call emergency medical assistance immediately. Look for burns where lightning entered and exited the body. If the strike caused the victim's heart and breathing to stop, give cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) until medical professionals arrive and take over. If you do not know CPR, why not call the North Shore Chapter of the American Red Cross
978-531-2280 and sign up for a class.

Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance--infants, elderly people, and people with disabilities.

Report downed utility wires. Call the Peabody Fire Department at 978-531-2244, dial 9-1-1 or call Peabody Electric Light Co. at 978-531-5975

Drive only if necessary. Debris and washed-out roads may make driving dangerous.

Mitigation
Mitigation includes any activities that prevent an emergency,reduce the chance of an emergency happening, or lessen the damaging effects of unavoidable emergencies. Investing in preventive mitigation steps now, such as installing lightning rods to carry the electrical charge of lightning bolts safely to the ground or purchasing flood insurance, will help reduce the impact of severe thunderstorms in the future. For more information on mitigation, contact your local emergency management office.