Cooperative Living August 2015 - 24

SAFETY SENSE
Stay Safe When
Lightning Strikes
W
hile thunderstorms
can
put on
a spectacular display of
light and sound, they
can also be extremely
dangerous, or even
deadly.
Dangers associated
with thunderstorms
include strong winds,
flooding and lightning.
Knowing what to do
before, during, and
after Mother Nature
strikes is key to protecting
your family and
home from these very
real threats.
First, know the difference
between a
" watch " and a " warning. "
Dark, low-rolling
clouds, thunder and
lightning are the most common signs of
an approaching thunderstorm. If these
conditions exist, check your local news
to see if a watch has been issued. If so,
stay vigilant and start making preparations.
If an actual thunderstorm has been
spotted or picked up on radar, a warning
will be issued, which means it's time
to take shelter.
When you see lightning, count the
seconds between seeing the lightning
and hearing the thunder. If that time is
30 seconds or less, the lightning is close
AMAZING
FACTS
ABOUT
LIGHTNING
22
and lightning hit,
remain in your vehicle
with the windows up.
Avoid touching any
metal in the car. If
you're outside and
don't have access to
a vehicle or sturdy
shelter, go to a
low-lying open place
away from trees,
poles, or metal
objects. Squat low to
the ground, and make
yourself as small as
possible. If caught in
the woods, take
shelter under shorter
trees. If you happen
to be out swimming or
in a boat, get out of
the water immediately
and avoid being
under trees, electric
enough to be a threat and you should
take shelter.
If a thunderstorm is approaching, try
to stay inside. Avoid contact with water:
don't wash dishes, bathe or do laundry.
Because a lightning strike could send a
surge of electricity through household
wiring, unplug major appliances. Use
power strips for TVs, computers and other
expensive electronics to save time with a
" one-switch " turnoff that will help protect
them from lightning damage.
If you're on the road when thunder
poles, or other tall, isolated objects that
could get hit by lightning.
Stay put for at least 30 minutes after
the storm passes, keeping in mind that
lightning can strike up to 10 miles from
the core of a thunderstorm. More than
half of all injuries and death related to
lightning strikes occur after the immediate
storm has passed. Be ready to call 911
immediately if a person near you is struck
by lightning, and in the case of any damage
to your home, take pictures for filing
an insurance claim. n
Each year, the Earth experiences an average of 25 million
lightning strikes during some 100,000 thunderstorms. That's
more than 100 lightning bolts per second! Lightning bolts
travel at speeds of up to 60,000 miles per second and average
2-3 miles in length. The energy contained in a single
lightning strike can power a 100-watt light bulb for 90 days.
" Lightning never strikes twice " is a myth: it can strike the
same location many times. Sources: www.safety.com, www.safeelectricity.org
Cooperative Living/August 2015
DESIGN PICS/ISTOCK/THINKSTOCK
http://www.safety.com http://www.safeelectricity.org
Cooperative Living August 2015

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