Lightning Safety

8/20/2019 (Permalink)

Photo showing that lightning travels the ground after it strikes a tree

Most all of us have known the lesson “STOP, DROP, and ROLL” if our clothing is on fire and the “TURN AROUND DON’T DROWN” to stop us from driving through high water.  Do you know the lesson for Thunder and Lightning?

WHEN THUNDER ROARS – GO INDOORS

Do not wait to go indoors until it rains as lightning may strike as far as 10 miles away from rainfall. You are in danger once you hear thunder.  Always take shelter in an enclosed building or hard-top automobile with all windows closed. Tractors, motorcycles, golf carts, or bicycles are NOT considered shelter.

Avoid the following once you are sheltered:

                Windows, Doors, Porches, Gazebos

                Concrete walls or floors

                Plumbing – do not wash your hands, bath or shower, wash dishes or laundry

                Corded phones, electrical cords or equipment, any device connected to an outlet

If you are caught outside crouch in the open field as far from trees as possible and do not hold any metal items such as fishing poles, golf clubs, umbrellas, tools, etc.