Next week is Lightning Safety Week, as declared by the National Weather Service. Lightning is the second biggest killer among U.S. severe weather phenomenon. Flash floods kill an average of 140 people per year in the United States. Lightning kills 80 people on average each year. Tornadoes claim 70 lives each year. Here are some lightning safety rules:
Don’t get caught outside during a thunderstorm. Monitor forecasts and pay attention to the sky. This is your best way to avoid being caught outside in a dangerous situation.
If you hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning. Move into a sturdy building or hard topped car. Stay away from small sheds, isolated trees or convertible automobiles. Stay away from tall objects such as towers, fences, telephone poles and power lines.
Utility lines and metal pipes can conduct electricity. Unplug appliances not necessary for obtaining weather information. Avoid using the telephone or electrical appliances. Do not take a bath during a thunderstorm.
If you are boating or swimming, get to land and find safe shelter immediately.
If you are in woods, take shelter under shorter trees.
If you are caught outside in the open, and no shelter is nearby, find a low spot away from trees, fences and poles.
If you feel your skin tingle, or your hair stand on end, squat low to the ground on the balls of your feet. Place your hands over your ears and your head between your knees. Make yourself the smallest target possible and minimize your contact with the gournd.
Remember the thirty – thirty rule. If you hear thunder within thirty seconds of seeing a lightning strike, you must take shelter immediately and stay there until you have heard no thunder for thirty minutes.
