Lightning Safety Awareness Week, June 24-30, 2012 - “When Thunder Roars…Go Indoors!”
(MADISON) –
Each year more than 400 people are struck by lightning in the United
States. An average of 54 people are
killed and hundreds of others suffer lifelong pain and permanent neurological
disabilities. In Wisconsin we have had 23 lightning deaths
since 1982. You
can protect yourself and your family by knowing these simple lightning safety
facts and tips:
·
If you hear thunder, you are in danger. Don’t be fooled by blue skies. If you hear thunder, lightning is close
enough to pose an immediate threat.
Don’t wait, seek shelter immediately.
Remember: When Thunder Roars…Go Indoors!
·
A fully enclosed building with wiring and plumbing offers the best
protection. Sheds, picnic shelters and
covered porches DO NOT protect you from lightning.
·
If a building is not available get into a hard-topped metal
vehicle and close all the windows.
·
Stay inside a safe building or vehicle for at least 30 minutes
after you hear the last clap of thunder.
·
Don’t use a corded phone except in an emergency. Cordless and cell phones are safe to use.
·
Keep away from electrical equipment and wiring.
·
Because water pipes conduct electricity, don’t take a bath or
shower or use other plumbing during a storm.
·
Stay away from isolated tall trees, towers or utility poles. Lightning tends to strike taller object in an
area.
·
Get an Emergency Weather Radio.
It will broadcast the latest forecast for thunderstorms. Remember, any
thunderstorm, whether it is severe or not, can produce deadly lightning.
Act
fast if someone is struck by lightning:
·
Lightning victims don’t carry an electric charge and are safe to
touch and need urgent medical attention. Cardiac arrest is the immediate cause
of death.
·
Call 911 immediately.
·
Give CPR if the person is unresponsive or not breathing. Use an Automatic External Defibrillator if
one is available.
·
If possible, move the victim to a safer place. Lightning can strike twice. Don’t be a victim.
·
Lightning occurs in all thunderstorms; each year lightning strikes
the United States 25 million times.
·
Lightning often strikes the same place repeatedly, especially tall
isolated objects.
·
Most lightning victims are in open areas or near a tree.
·
The energy from one lightning flash could light a 100-watt light
bulb for more than 3 months.
·
The air near a lightning strike is heated to 50,000°F—five times
hotter than the surface of the sun!
·
The rapid heating and cooling of the air near the lightning
channel causes a shock wave which results in thunder.
Lightning
Myths:
·
Myth: Rubber tires on a car
protect you from lightning by insulating you from the ground.
o Fact: The metal roof and sides protect you, NOT the
rubber tires. When lightning strikes a
vehicle it goes through the metal frame into the ground. Don’t lean on the vehicle doors during a
thunderstorm.
·
Myth: If trapped outside
and lightning is about to strike you should lie flat on the ground.
o Fact: Lying flat increases your chance of being hit
by a ground current. If you are caught
outside in a thunderstorm keep moving toward a safe shelter.
·
Myth: If thunderstorms
threaten while you are outside playing a game it is OK to finish before seeking
shelter.
o Fact: Many lighting casualties occur because people
do not seek shelter soon enough. No game
is worth death or lifelong injuries.
Seek shelter immediately if you hear thunder. Adults are responsible for the safety of
children.
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