Lightning Is The Silent Killer Lurking In Every Storm: Follow These Safety Tips!
Lightning strikes millions of times each year in the Midwest, but you can keep your family safe with these expert tips! âĄđŠī¸ #LightningSafety #ThunderRoarsGoIndoors #StaySafe
Mt. Vernon, Indiana – When the skies darken and thunder rumbles in the distance, it’s time to take cover! Lightning may not get as much attention as its flashier cousins, tornadoes and hail, but this electric menace is a force to be reckoned with.
Each year, lightning bolts strike the ground a jaw-dropping 20-25 million times in the United States alone, claiming an average of 20+ lives and injuring hundreds more. It’s especially concerning for residents in the Midwest.
Lightning Safety 101 đŠī¸
So, how can you stay safe when lightning strikes? The key is to plan ahead and know where to go. The best place to ride out a thunderstorm is inside a sturdy building with plumbing and electrical wiring. Think shopping malls, schools, office buildings, and your own home. If lightning hits the building, the wiring and pipes will help conduct the electricity away from you.
If you can’t make it to a building, your next best bet is an enclosed metal vehicle like a car, van, or school bus. Just make sure to roll up the windows and avoid touching anything metal inside.
Where NOT to Hide đ
Now that you know where to go, let’s talk about where NOT to take shelter during a lightning storm. Steer clear of beach shacks, metal sheds, picnic shelters, carports, and even baseball dugouts. These structures may seem sturdy, but they often have exposed openings that make them lightning magnets.
The same goes for certain types of vehicles. Convertibles (even with the top up), golf carts, tractors, and construction equipment are all big no-nos when lightning is in the area.
Staying Safe Indoors đ
Once you’ve made it inside a safe building or vehicle, there are still a few precautions you should take. Stay away from electrical appliances and plumbing fixtures, and try to hunker down in an interior room for added protection.
If you’re in a car, keep the windows rolled up and avoid touching anything that could conduct electricity, like the radio or ignition.
When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors đ
One of the most important things to remember about lightning safety is that if you can hear thunder, you’re already within striking distance. That’s right – lightning can strike up to 10 miles away from the storm itself!
So, when you hear that first rumble of thunder, it’s time to make a beeline for shelter. And don’t be fooled by a break in the rain – wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunderclap before heading back outside.
Safety Tips for Every Situation đĄ
Whether you’re enjoying a solo hike or hosting a big outdoor event, there are lightning safety tips that can help keep you and those around you safe.
For individuals, the key is to plan ahead. Check the weather forecast before heading out, and always know where you can find safe shelter if storms roll in. Keep an eye on the sky, and if things start looking dicey, don’t wait for the rain to start before seeking safety.
Small groups should designate someone to monitor the weather via smartphone apps, radios, or other mobile devices. Make sure everyone knows the lightning safety plan and how far away the nearest safe shelter is.
For large events, organizers should have a detailed lightning safety plan in place well before any storms appear on the horizon. This means identifying safe locations, planning evacuation routes, and even placing lightning safety tips on programs or placards around the event site.
Debunking Lightning Myths âĄđŠī¸
While researching this article, we uncovered several lightning myths. I thought it’d be fun (and helpful) to share them with you…
- Ben Franklin’s kite experiment? Never actually struck by lightning!
- Lightning doesn’t always target the tallest object, just the tallest thing in its immediate path.
- Metal isn’t lightning’s only target – it can strike anything in its way.
- No rain, no pain? Think again! If you hear thunder, take cover, even if it’s dry where you are. Most lightning victims are struck miles away from the storm.
- Rubber soles or tires won’t protect you from lightning – they’re not insulators, so don’t count on them for safety!
Conclusion
Remember, when it comes to lightning, there’s no such thing as being too cautious. By following these simple safety tips and staying alert to changing weather conditions, you can greatly reduce your risk of becoming a lightning statistic. Stay safe!
đŖ Were you surprised by some of these lightning myths? Have any tips of your own? We’d LOVE to hear from you in the comments section below. âŦī¸
