As the weather heats up, thunderstorm safety awareness is something we should all focus on. During a thunderstorm, each flash of cloud to ground lightning is a potential killer. While lightning usually claims only one or two victims at a time and usually does not cause the mass destruction left in the wake of tornadoes or hurricanes, thunderstorms are still extremely dangerous and can cause significant injuries if precautions are not taken. In fact, an average of 85 lightning fatalities occurs each year
with approximately 10% of people struck by lightning being killed.
To help you and your family stay safe during thunderstorms, here are nine safety tips that could save your life if you are caught in a storm. Remember, while NO safe place outside exists during a thunderstorm, knowing these tips can help reduce the risk of being struck by lightning.
- When thunder roars, get indoors. Lightning can strike as much as ten miles away from the rain area in a thunderstorm. That is about the distance that you are able to hear the thunder from the storm. If you can hear the thunder from a storm, you are close enough to be struck by lightning so seek inside shelter immediately.
- If no enclosed building is available, get inside a hard topped, all metal vehicle.
- Stay away from tall trees and objects.
- Do not take shelter under a tree. If you are in the woods with no alternatives, find shelter under the shortest trees.
- If only isolated trees are nearby, crouch on the balls of your feet. A rule of thumb to follow is to stay twice as far away from a tree as it is tall. Don’t lie on the ground.
- Get out of the water! Get off the beach and out of small boats and canoes. If caught in a boat, crouch down in the center of the boat away from metal hardware.
- Do not stand in puddles of water, even if wearing rubber boots.
- Avoid open fields and the tops of hills and ridges.
- Avoid golf courses, hiking trails and parks.
