“If you are caught on a golf course during a storm and are afraid of lightning, hold up a 1-iron. Not even God can hit a 1-iron,” is the famous quote attributed to Lee Trevino. Lee must not have been following his own advice as he and two other golfers were struck by lightning at the Western Open golf tournament at Oak Brook IL on June 28, 1975.
The week of June 21-27 is Lightning Safety Awareness Week across the nation. Each year, over 400 American’s are struck by lightning. Sixty of those die. It is an avoidable tragedy.
To avoid being struck by lightning, the National Weather Service recommends that you:
• Get into a fully enclosed building or hardtop vehicle at the first rumble of thunder;
• Stay indoors for 30 minutes after the last thunder clap;
• Monitor the weather forecast when you’re planning to be outdoors;
• Have a plan for getting to safety in case a thunderstorm moves in;
• Do not use a corded phone during a thunderstorm unless it’s an emergency; cell phones are safe to use;
• Keep away from plumbing, electrical equipment and wiring during a thunderstorm.
The slogan for this year’s lightning safety campaign is, “When thunder roars, go indoors.” Very apt advice.
