Lightening Awareness

Lightening Awareness 2016

"When thunder roars, go Indoors"

According to the National Weather Service (NWS), lightening strikes in the U.S. about 25 million times per year. Hundreds of people each year are seriously injured and unfortunately lightening kills about 50 people per year in the U.S.

When a thunderstorm erupts, or in an area nearby, no place outside is safe. If you hear thunder then lightening is close enough to strike. You should seek shelter and remain inside for 30 minutes from the last sound of thunder.

Place to avoid inside:

• Bathrooms and kitchens that have sinks, bathtubs, faucets and plumbing.

• Concrete floors and walls

• Windows, doors, porches and decks

• Electrical equipment

If you are stuck outside you can reduce your risk by

• Going to a low lying area (no hills or mountains)

• Never lie flat on the ground or stay under an isolated tree.

• Move away from bodies of water such as creeks, lakes, ponds.

• Move away from things that conduct electricity such as wire fences, power lines, windmills.

A great YouTube video can be found at

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMOFxrAWquk. Thanks LeeAnn Allegretto.

The National Weather Service has a few really good resources on lightening safety.