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In the
United States, lightning kills 300
people and injures 80 on average each
year. All thunderstorms produce
lightning and all have the potential
for danger. Those dangers can include
tornadoes, strong winds, hail,
wildfires and flash flooding, which is
responsible for more fatalities than
any other thunderstorm-related hazard.
Lightning's risk to individuals and
property is increased because of its
unpredictability. It often strikes
outside of heavy rain and may occur as
far as 10 miles away from any
rainfall. Most lightning deaths and
injuries occur when people are caught
outdoors in the summer months during
the afternoon and evening.
Preparing
for a Thunderstorm and Lightning
- Familiarize
yourself with the terms that are
used to identify a thunderstorm
hazard, including understanding
the difference between a severe
thunderstorm watch and a severe
thunderstorm warning.
- A thunderstorm
watch means there is a possibility
of a thunderstorm in your area.
- A
thunderstorm warning means a
thunderstorm is occurring or will
likely occur soon. If you are
advised to take shelter so
immediately.
- Get
an emergency supply kit.
- Remove
dead or rotting trees and branches
that could fall and cause injury
or damage during a severe
thunderstorm.
- Use
the 30/30 lightning safety rule.
If you see lightning and you
cannot count to 30 before hearing
thunder, go indoors. Then stay
indoors for 30 minutes after
hearing the last clap of thunder.
Have
a Thunderstorm Plan
- If
a thunderstorm is likely in your
area, postpone outdoor activities.
- Secure
outdoor objects that could blow
away or cause damage.
- Shutter
windows and secure outside doors.
If shutters are not available,
close window blinds, shades or
curtains.
- Avoid
showering or bathing during a
thunderstorm. Plumbing and
bathroom fixtures can conduct
electricity.
- Watch
for darkening skies, lightning,
increasing winds.
- Listen
to NOAA Weather Radio for
information.
- Go
quickly inside a home, building or
hard top automobile, if possible.
- If
shelter is not available go to the
lowest area nearby and make
yourself the smallest target
possible but do not lie flat on
the ground.
- If
on open water, get to land and
shelter immediately.
- Things
to avoid include:
- Tall,
isolated tree in an open area.
- Hilltops,
open fields, the beach, a boat
on the water, isolated sheds
or other small structures in
open areas.
- Anything
metal — tractors, farm
equipment, motorcycles, golf
carts, golf clubs, and
bicycles
Stay Informed
- Local
authorities may not immediately be
able to provide information on
what is happening and what you
should do. However, you should
listen to your battery operated or
hand crank NOAA Weather Radio,
watch TV, listen to the radio or
check the Internet often for
official news and instructions as
they become available.
- Do
not use electrical items such as
computers or television sets as
power surges from lightning can
cause serious damage.
- A
corded telephone should only be
used in an emergency, but cordless
phones and cell phones are safe to
use.
-Info
from http://www.Ready.gov
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