Monitor the weather by watching the local forecast on TV, checking the newspaper, searching online, or signing up for text message notifications from your local government. With the advancement of technology, most thunderstorms can be predicted more than a day in advance. The more warning you have the more time you’ll have to prepare for the worst. Cancel any outdoor plans during a thunderstorm. Even if the weather doesn't seem bad you could still be hit by lightning. The lighting from thunderstorms can cause power surges that can damage or destroy electronics. This is especially important for computers and expensive electronics. However, make sure you unplug the electronics before the storm approaches. If you’re touching an appliance during a power surge you’ll get electrocuted. If you have electronics that you don’t want to unplug, purchase a surge protector power strip from an electronics store. Avoid taking showers, washing your hands, or bathing. The metal pipes in bathroom fixtures can conduct electricity. If you’re showering when lighting strikes, you may be electrocuted. Similarly, stay away from pools as water conducts electricity as well. Avoid indoor pools. Some indoor pools have metal fixtures that can conduct electricity. Play it safe and stay out of the pool. The National Weather Service recommends that you stay inside for at least thirty minutes after hearing the last peal of thunder. Even if you’re sure that the worst of the storm is over it’s better to wait than to go outside. Lighting can still strike you even if the storm has moved. Avoid swimming in water for at least an hour, if not for the rest of the day. Shelter inside a safe building or get into a hard-topped vehicle if you can. If you can’t, avoid all open fields and tall, isolated trees. Stay away from water, metal objects, and hilltops. If possible, shelter among a lower grouping of trees. This will slightly reduce your risk of getting hit by lightning. If you’re camping, leave the tent to find shelter. Tents do not offer protection from lightning. If you’re driving in a hard-topped vehicle during a lightning storm, stay in your car until the storm passes. If your car is struck by lightning, the current will flow over the body of the car and into the ground. Watch out for flooding on the road as well. If there’s a lot of water on the road in front of you, pull over and wait for the storm to pass.  Golf carts and convertible cars don’t offer any lightning protection. Your car may sustain damage to the tires or the electrical system if struck by lightning.

Summary: Watch the weather. Unplug any electrical equipment. Stay away from water. Follow the thirty minute rule. Find shelter if you’re outside. Stay in your car.


If you're handing out money that's never getting paid back, find a way to make an exchange instead. For example, the next time your relative asks for money, say, “Would you be willing to help me with some house cleaning in exchange?” This way, the money can be earned and not just given. It's up to you how much money you're willing to pay your relative for their help. If they find reasons not to help you, this may indicate that they don't want to work for the money and rely on you to give it to them. There's a saying that goes, “Give a person a fish you'll  feed them for a day. Teach a person to fish and you'll feed them for a lifetime.” To someone who continuously relies on you, give them skills to rely on themselves. After all, what happens to them if something happens to you? Perhaps you make money because you took a financial management class, have steady employment, or work with a professional to manage your money. Offer to help your relative to build similar skills.  Work together to create a budget, recommend a program, or recommend a financial planner. If you have the financial means, consider making an investment in your relative. For example, help your relative invest in their education or a business. This may be a larger amount than they ask for, but consider your investment as a way to give them more security in making money in the future. For example, if your relative is struggling to get by teaching yoga, offer to help them open up a yoga studio.
Summary: Provide a way to earn money. Teach them some skills. Invest in your relative.