Lightning Safety

Over the last century, records for environmental injuries and mortality indicate that lightning has consistently been one of the top 3 environmental-related causes of death and the second most common storm-related cause of death, exceeded only by floods.

• PLAN in advance your evacuation and safety measures. When you first see lightning or hear thunder, activate your emergency plan. Now is the time to go to a building or a vehicle. Lightning often precedes rain, so don't wait for the rain to begin before suspending activities.
• IF OUTDOORS: Avoid water. Avoid the high ground. Avoid open spaces. Avoid all metal objects including electric wires, fences, machinery, motors, power tools, etc. Unsafe places include underneath canopies, small picnic or rain shelters, or near trees. Where possible, find shelter in a substantial building or in a fully enclosed metal vehicle such as a car, truck or a van with the windows completely shut. If lightning is striking nearby when you are outside, you should:
• CROUCH DOWN: Put feet together. Place hands over ears to minimize hearing damage from thunder.
• AVOID PROXIMITY (MINIMUM 15 ft.) TO OTHER PEOPLE.
• IF INDOORS: Avoid water. Stay away from doors and windows. Do not use the telephone. Take off head sets. Turn off, unplug, and stay away from appliances, computers, power tools, & TV sets. Lightning may strike exterior electric and phone lines, inducing shocks to inside equipment.
• SUSPEND ACTIVITIES for 30 minutes after the last observed lightning or thunder.
• INJURED PERSONS: Do not carry an electrical charge and can be handled safely. Apply First Aid procedures to a lightning victim if you are qualified to do so. Call 911 or send for help immediately.
• KNOW YOUR EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBERS.

Thanks to: National Lightning Safety Institute, Louisville, CO.