Summer weather can mean increased storms that bring dangerous lightning.
Protecting you and your family means understanding what lightning is, planning ahead for unpredictable weather, and understanding what to do if you find yourself in the midst of a storm.
Lightning is a giant spark of static electricity generated from clouds that are electrically charged.
You often see lightning moving across the sky; this is the most common. You also see lightning moving between the ground and a cloud, and this is when lightning is the most dangerous.
While lightning can be a fascinating thing to watch, it is incredibly hot, produces shock waves in all directions, and of course carries an enormous amount of electricity.
For most of us, the first warning that a bad storm is on the way is usually the sound of thunder. When you hear thunder, you know there is lightning in the area. That is the time to start planning to get to a safe area.
The National Weather Service broadcasts warnings of severe thunderstorms. Sometimes you will hear these before you hear the storm coming, and sometimes it will be after you’ve gone for cover. In any case, the warnings provide vital information about the location and severity of the storm.
It’s also important to remember that if you hear thunder, lightning is nearby and close enough to strike you. Lightning can travel up to 10 miles. You can estimate your distance from the storm, which many of us remember from childhood. When you see a flash of lightning, count the seconds until you hear the thunder. Five seconds will equal roughly one mile.
If you are outside and a storm approaches, look for a safe place nearby. The best place is an enclosed building or a vehicle. Picnic shelters, dugouts, and small buildings don’t offer much protection from lightning. Try to avoid open fields, ridge lines, water, and metal objects.
If you’re inside during a bad storm, stay off corded phones, and instead use a cordless phone or a cell phone. Refrain from touching electrical equipment such as TVs and computers. Avoid plumbing, including washing your hands, washing dishes, or taking a shower. Stay away from windows and doors and stay off porches. Also remember to protect your pets. An outdoor doghouse is not safe.
In the event that someone near you has been struck by lightning, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, call 911 and report the accident. If the person is unresponsive and not breathing, or they have abnormal breathing, those are signs of cardiac arrest and you should begin CPR.
Most people actually can survive an encounter with lightning, especially with timely medical treatment. People struck by lightning do not carry a charge, and it is safe to touch them.
Remember, any outdoor activity carries a high risk for being struck by lightning. The highest fatality rates from lightning strikes include fishing, camping, swimming, boating, and golfing.
It is recommended that you and your family be prepared for bad weather. Websites such as noaa.gov can help you and your family put together your own disaster preparedness plan and kit. By staying vigilant and having a plan in place, you and your family can avoid the dangers of these types of storms.
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