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***Sponsored By:***

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***Radio Shack***

***in***

***Clinton, MS***

**[\*Open to all students in 6th-8th grade.]{.underline}**

**[HERE'S HOW TO ENTER:]{.underline}**

-   **You must choose one of the categories from the attached list of
    safety rules for flooding, lightning, and tornadoes.**

-   **Then, type, or neatly write, an original one to two page story
    incorporating all safety rules from the category you picked into the
    story.**

-   **Originality and creativity will be the primary factors judged.**

-   **All stories must be received at the National Weather Service
    office in Jackson, MS by Sunday March 26, 2006.**

-   **Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place and will be
    awarded by mid April.**

-   **Please include your name, grade, and school with your story so we
    may contact you if you have won.**

***You may submit your story by email:* <sr-jr.webmaster@noaa.gov>**

***Or by mail**:* **Writing Contest, c/o WFO Jackson, MS**

**234 Weather Service Drive**

***Severe Weather Safety Rules***

**Flood Safety Rules**:

-   Get out of areas subject to flooding and avoid walking, swimming, or
    diving in flood waters.

-   Stay away from high water, storm drains, ditches, ravines, or
    culverts.

-   Never drive through flooded roadways! If you come upon flood waters,
    stop, turn around and go the other way.

-   If your vehicle stalls, leave it immediately and seek higher ground.
    Rapidly rising water may overtake you and your vehicle. Only two
    feet of water can easily sweep away an automobile.

**Lightning Safety Rules:**

-   Move to a sturdy building or non-convertible automobile. Do not take
    shelter in small sheds or under isolated trees. When in automobiles,
    be sure to keep the windows up.

-   Avoid touching metal.

-   Stay away from tall objects such as towers, fences, telephone poles,
    and power lines.

-   Unplug appliances that are not needed for obtaining weather
    information. Avoid using the telephone or any electrical appliances,
    unless in an emergency.

-   Do not take a bath or a shower during a thunderstorm.

-   Get out of boats and away from the water.

**Tornado Safety Rules:**

-   In homes, get into a basement. If no basement is available, go to
    the lowest floor and put as many walls as possible between you and
    the outside. In most cases, this would mean getting into a hallway
    or a small interior room, such as a closet.

-   In office buildings, move to a pre-designated shelter. This could be
    a basement. If no basement is available, go to the lowest floor and
    put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. In most
    cases, this would mean getting into a hallway or a small interior
    room.

-   Protect your head and body by using pillows, blankets, cushions, or
    by getting under a piece of sturdy furniture.

-   Stay away from widows.

-   Do not try to outrun a tornado in a vehicle! If caught in a vehicle
    with no sturdy shelter nearby, leave the vehicle and seek shelter by
    lying flat in a ditch or depression. Be sure to cover your head with
    your hands.

-   Leave mobile homes and seek shelter in a sturdy building. If no such
    building is available, lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression,
    protecting you head with your hands.

**Jackson, MS 39232**