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Lightning kills -- play it safe!
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[JUNE 24, 2005]
Lightning is the second-greatest cause of
storm-related deaths in the U.S., killing more than tornadoes or
hurricanes! Only floods kill more. Lightning also inflicts
devastating lifelong debilitating injuries on many more than it
kills. While lightning strike frequencies are high in the Southeast,
Midwest and the front ranges of the Rocky Mountains, all states have
some lightning threat. Fortunately, most of these lightning deaths
and injuries can be easily avoided. Remember, no place outside is
safe near a thunderstorm!
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No place outside is safe within six
miles of a thunderstorm! Use the weather forecast to plan your
outdoor activities to avoid the threat. The forecast from your local
National Weather Service office can be found through
http://www.weather.gov/. The
safest place from lightning is inside a house or other large fully
enclosed building with wiring and plumbing. But stay away from
corded telephones, electrical appliances and plumbing. Don't watch
lightning while standing near windows or in doorways. If you can't
get to a house, a vehicle with a metal roof and metal sides is a
good second choice.
Use the 30-30 rule: If you count 30 seconds or less between
seeing the lightning and hearing its thunder, go inside immediately.
If you can't see the lightning, go inside the moment you hear
thunder. Don't go outside until 30 minutes or more after hearing the
last thunder. The most dangerous places are elevated places, open
areas (sports fields, beaches, golf courses), near tall isolated
objects like trees, and on or in the water (swimming, boating,
fishing, beaches). Do not go under trees to keep dry during a
thunderstorm!
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June 19-25 is Lightning Safety Awareness Week, with a special focus
for each day: Monday, general lightning safety; Tuesday, lightning
science; Wednesday, outdoor lightning safety; Thursday, indoor
lightning safety; and Friday focuses on medical aspects of
lightning.
Learn more at
www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov or
www.weather.gov/Lincoln.
[News release] |
