Lightning Awareness Week

This week is Lightning Safety Week and serves us to remind ourselves that When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!

Did you know that an average of 62 people are killed each year by lightning in the U.S. and over 400 people are struck by lightning. To date, in 2009, 15 people have been killed and many more were permanently injured. Check out this link which goes into further detail of the statistics for this year: http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/fatalities.htm

Many of those killed were those in the yard, in an open field or beach, or near a tree doing yardwork or walking to their vehicle. Lightning often strikes outside the area of heavy rain and may strike as far as 10 miles from ANY rainfall. Many lightning deaths occur ahead of storms or after storms have passed. Remember, IF YOU CAN HEAR THUNDER YOU ARE IN DANGER.

What you should know about being caught outside near a thunderstorm:

• Get inside a substantial building or hard-topped metal vehicle as fast as you can.
• Avoid open areas, don't be the tallest object in the area.
• Stay away from isolated tall trees, towers, or utility poles.
• Stay away from metal conductors such as wires or fences - lightning travels long distances through it.
• If you are with a group of people, spread out. This tends to prevent multiple casualites.
• Water pipes conduct electricity - don't take a bath or shower during a storm.
• Don't use a corded phone. Cordless phones and cell phones are safe to use.
• Stay inside a safe building or vehicle for at least 30 minutes after you hear the last thunder clap.

Tomorrow we will be looking at some lightning myths...