City of New Brunswick, NJ

07/30/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/30/2026 13:35

How to Protect Yourself from Severe Thunderstorms



NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ (July 30, 2026) - Severe thunderstorms are a common occurrence this time of year.

Despite their relatively small size-typically spanning 15 miles and lasting about 30 minutes-thunderstorms can be very dangerous. The New Jersey Department of Emergency Management provides essential safety guidance:

  • Watch the skies: Darkening skies, towering clouds, flashes of light, increasing wind, and the sound of thunder are key warning signs.
  • Stay informed: Tune into NOAA Weather Radio or local news for weather updates, watches, and warnings. A battery-powered radio is essential for emergencies.
  • Understand the alerts: A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means a storm has been detected. Seek shelter immediately.
  • Secure outdoor items.
If indoors:
  • Close windows and blinds.
  • Avoid using corded phones or electrical appliances.
  • Stay away from bathtubs, sinks, and faucets.
If outdoors:
  • Seek shelter.
  • If no shelter is available, find a low-lying area away from trees, fences, and poles.
  • Squat low to the ground with hands on knees only touching the ground with your feet. Do not lie down.
  • Avoid bodies of water.
If in a car:
  • Pull over to a safe location.
  • Stay inside with seatbelts fastened.
  • Avoid flooded roads.
City of New Brunswick, NJ published this content on July 30, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on July 30, 2026 at 19:35 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]