Severe weather preparedness

Lightning Safety

Lightning strike near Decatur in March 2003

 

 


Lightning is the most frequent and important weather threat to personal safety during the thunderstorm season.  Keep these lightning safety tips in mind:

  • Plan ahead and avoid deadly lightning situations.  Check the latest forecast before going outdoors for extended periods.  Watch for storms, and seek shelter indoors when storms approach.
  • Lightning often strikes the tallest object.  If caught outdoors during a storm, don't stand next to tall trees or power poles, and don't be out in an open area where you may be the tallest object around.  A closed, hard-top metal vehicle is safe in a thunderstorm.  An open building such as a picnic shelter will keep you dry, but it will not protect you from lightning!
  • If boating or swimming, get out of the water when storms approach, and seek shelter indoors.
  • If indoors, avoid using electrical appliances, corded telephones, and metal plumbing.

Simply put, if you hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning.  You can use the "flash to bang" method to estimate the distance of lightning.  When you see a flash of lightning, count the seconds until you hear the bang of the thunder, then divide by 5.  The result is your distance in miles from the lightning strike.  It is recommended that you stay indoors until 30 minutes after the last rumble of thunder, before you can safely return outdoors.

Each year, Lightning Safety Awareness Week is held to help you prepare for thunderstorms and lightning.  This year's cmapaign will be held from June 22 to 28.  For more information, visit http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov

 

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