Lake Mead is a lifeline and a wonder. But it’s also in danger. Drought, climate change, and human activities threaten it. And so do thunderstorms.
Lake Mead is a lifeline and a wonder. But it’s also in danger. Drought, climate change, and human activities threaten it. And so do thunderstorms.
Thunderstorms bring rain, hail, lightning, wind, and floods. These are hazards for people and the environment in Lake Mead.
Thunderstorms bring rain, hail, lightning, wind, and floods. These are hazards for people and the environment in Lake Mead.
They cause erosion, pollution, habitat loss, and wildlife death. They also increase water and energy demand.
They cause erosion, pollution, habitat loss, and wildlife death. They also increase water and energy demand.
How can you protect yourself and the lake from these storms?
How can you protect yourself and the lake from these storms?
How can you stay safe and reduce your impact?
How can you stay safe and reduce your impact?
In this story, we’ll share some tips and advice to help you survive and save the planet during thunderstorms in Lake Mead.
In this story, we’ll share some tips and advice to help you survive and save the planet during thunderstorms in Lake Mead.
Tip 1
Tip 1
Check the weather forecast before you go out. Avoid outdoor activities if storms are possible.
Check the weather forecast before you go out. Avoid outdoor activities if storms are possible.
If you hear thunder or see lightning, seek shelter. A building or a vehicle are the safest places.
If you hear thunder or see lightning, seek shelter. A building or a vehicle are the safest places.
Get off the water if you are on a boat or near the shore. Dock your boat or move it to safety.
Get off the water if you are on a boat or near the shore. Dock your boat or move it to safety.
Tip 2
Tip 2
Stay away from the water’s edge and low areas that can flood.
Stay away from the water’s edge and low areas that can flood.
Water can conduct electricity and make you a target for lightning.
Water can conduct electricity and make you a target for lightning.
So, it's actually staying away from water!
So, it's actually staying away from water!
Tip 3
Tip 3
Find a low spot away from trees, poles, and metal objects if you are camping or hiking.
Find a low spot away from trees, poles, and metal objects if you are camping or hiking.
Crouch down and cover your ears.
Crouch down and cover your ears.
Do not lie flat or touch anything wet or metal. These can attract lightning and shock you.
Do not lie flat or touch anything wet or metal. These can attract lightning and shock you.
Be sure to be prepared!
Be sure to be prepared!
Tip 4
Tip 4
Slow down and turn on your headlights if you are driving. Watch out for flooded roads, fallen trees, power lines, and debris.
Slow down and turn on your headlights if you are driving. Watch out for flooded roads, fallen trees, power lines, and debris.
Do not drive through water or around barricades. These can damage your car and trap you in danger.
Do not drive through water or around barricades. These can damage your car and trap you in danger.
Driving through water is never safe!
Driving through water is never safe!
Tip 5
Tip 5
Unplug your appliances and electronics if you are at home. Stay away from windows, doors, and fireplaces.
Unplug your appliances and electronics if you are at home. Stay away from windows, doors, and fireplaces.
Do not use phones, computers, or devices that can conduct electricity. These can cause fires or shocks if lightning strikes your home or nearby power lines.
Do not use phones, computers, or devices that can conduct electricity. These can cause fires or shocks if lightning strikes your home or nearby power lines.
Tip 6
Tip 6
Call 911 if someone is struck by lightning. Check their breathing and pulse. Start CPR if needed.
Call 911 if someone is struck by lightning. Check their breathing and pulse. Start CPR if needed.
Treat them for shock and burns. Lightning can cause serious injuries or death, so act fast and get help.
Treat them for shock and burns. Lightning can cause serious injuries or death, so act fast and get help.
Tip 7
Tip 7
Reduce your water use during and after storms. This can conserve water and prevent runoff that can pollute the lake.
Reduce your water use during and after storms. This can conserve water and prevent runoff that can pollute the lake.
Use renewable energy sources like solar panels or wind turbines. This can reduce emissions and lower your bill.
Use renewable energy sources like solar panels or wind turbines. This can reduce emissions and lower your bill.
Plant native vegetation around your home or property. This can prevent erosion, filter rainwater, provide shade, and attract wildlife.
Plant native vegetation around your home or property. This can prevent erosion, filter rainwater, provide shade, and attract wildlife.
Tip 8
Tip 8
Dispose of your waste properly. Do not litter or dump anything into storm drains or waterways. Recycle or compost your organic materials.
Dispose of your waste properly. Do not litter or dump anything into storm drains or waterways. Recycle or compost your organic materials.
Tip 9
Tip 9
Support conservation efforts in Lake Mead area. You can volunteer for cleanup events, donate to environmental groups, or educate others about the lake.
Support conservation efforts in Lake Mead area. You can volunteer for cleanup events, donate to environmental groups, or educate others about the lake.
You can also enjoy its beauty and benefits for years to come.
You can also enjoy its beauty and benefits for years to come.
Lake Mead is a vital resource and a unique wonder. But it needs your help.
Lake Mead is a vital resource and a unique wonder. But it needs your help.
By following these tips, you can stay safe and protect the environment during thunderstorms in Lake Mead. You can also survive and save the planet.
By following these tips, you can stay safe and protect the environment during thunderstorms in Lake Mead. You can also survive and save the planet.