Lightning Safety Tips
There are many ways to protect yourself from lightning.Inside your house or other domain, it is imperative not to use any corded telephone or electrical appliances such as a TV, stereo equipment,kitchen appliances and computers.Cell phones may be used as well as battery operated radios and televisions.It is a good idea to avoid running water of any kind, including taking a shower or bath.Turn off the air conditioning and close your windows.Remember that if you hear thunder... you are close enough to be struck by lightning If you are outdoors, get to a safe shelter as quickly as possible. Lightning can travel as far as 15 Miles From the Storm !
When a storm is approaching, if in your car, make sure your car windows are closed, and if you are in a convertible, get the top raised as quickly as possible.Stay in your car, even if you have reached your destination, until the storm subsides.Golf Courses and Sports Fields are notorious places for lightning strikes, and many a golfer has suffered the effects of a strike by not adhering to course codes to get off the green at the first sound of thunder or threatening clouds.It is imperative for any one on the course to get to the clubhouse as quickly as possible, even if the thunder has just become noticeable. If on a body of water, swimming or in a boat, it is urgent that you get to land and take shelter as soon as possible.Shelter needs to be a viable building, not a"tiki" hut or small cabin or baseball dugout. Lightening can quickly penetrate a flimsy shelter and even travel through the ground to hit anyone inside.
If you are outside when a storm comes up, with no shelter in sight, make yourself as small as possible.This means squatting on the ground away from poles and tall trees. Find a low lying place or the smallest possible tree to take shelter under.
If someone with you has been struck by lightning
If possible, call 911 using your cell phone if you have one.
Administer CPR and other first aid as necessary.
Remember to always to keep an eye out for storms, particularly in the summer months.
Make sure you take heed and protect yourself and your loved ones by using common sense and an eye to the sky while indoors or out.
You will be safer as a result.
Fact: Most fatal lightning strikes occur 30 minutes BEFORE & AFTER the Storm...
If you still hear thunder you're a potential Lightning Rod.
REMEMBER "When Thunder Roars...Get Indoors”...
(Information for this came from various sources including The National Weather Service Web Site)