If you are caught outdoors during a thunderstorm, follow the 30-30 rule. Seek a safer location immediately if the thunder occurs 30 seconds or less after the lightning. Once the storm has passed, wait at least 30 minutes after the last lightning flash before leaving the shelter.

1. Be aware that lightning can follow electrical wires and phone lines.
2. If you can hear thunder, you are within striking distance.
3. If you are driving during a thunderstorm, you should stay in your car with the windows closed
4. You shouldn’t take a shower, wash dishes or do laundry.
5. If you are swimming or boating when a storm starts, head for shore immediately.

We all know that dialing 911 can save lives. Teach your children how to use this valuable emergency service with these tips.

Tell your children to first find a trusted adult in an emergency. If a trusted adult isn’t available, they should dial 911.

Show young children how to dial 911 on the phone. Make sure to say “9-1-1” and not “9-11.” Watch them have a trial run (unhook the phone, of course)

Explain that 911 is for emergencies – and make it clear what a real emergency look like. List the reasons they might call 911, such as a house fire, a car accident, or if someone is hurt so badly that he or she can’t move or talk.

Explain what an emergency does not look like. (Hint: it’s not when they can’t find a favorite toy or have been tripped by the dog.) Let them know that calling 911 when there isn’t an emergency is dangerous and wrong.

Teach your children that they can trust the 911 dispatcher, and that it’s OK to answer any questions – even if they seem personal. Make sure your children know their address.

The no-zone is the area near a semi-truck’s side and rear where cars seem to disappear into blind spots. Vehicles lingering in the “no-zone” can’t be seen by truck drivers, causing a potential hazard if a lane change becomes necessary. Tailgating in the rear “no-zone” not only hides you from the truck driver, but also radically reduces your view of traffic ahead. Also when passing, avoid cutting in front of a truck too soon, then abruptly slowing down. Because it takes longer to pass large trucks, maintain your speed and wait until the front of the truck is visible in your side rearview mirror before shifting back into the other lane.