Lightning Strikes

Summertime brings thunderstorms. If you are out and about, you will want to take caution as not to get struck by lightning. No place is totally safe from lightning, but some places are worse to be in than others.

When you see lightning, count in seconds until you hear the thunder. Divide the number of seconds by five. This will tell you how many miles away the lightning was.

If the amount of time was less than 20 seconds, you will want seek a safe location immediately. Avoid solitary trees and any unprotected small shelters, such as gazebos and baseball dugouts. Stay out of open areas and fields. If you are in an open field, kneel down with your hands on the ground and your head low; don't lay flat. Do not go near light poles or communication towers. Depressions in the ground are good places for tornados but not good for lightning strikes. Current can travel through the ground and can use you to bridge the depression. Stay away from body of waters, such as pools and lakes. Don't drive around in a convertible or golf cart.

The best place to be is in a large enclosed shelter, such as a house or business. When in a building, turn off your TVs, computers, and other electronic devices. Stay away from using the phone and keep away from eletrical outlets.

If you were on the road, stay in your vehicle but avoid contact with metal conducting surfaces inside or outside of the vehicle. You will also want to park the car away from any trees or poles that may get struck and fall on your vehicle.

If someone does get struck by lightning, call 911 right away. Try moving the person to a safer location so that he/she won't get struck again. Be careful if the person may have fallen and broken any bones; usually this is not the case unless the person fell from a building or high up place. Place something down to insulate the person from ground because of the wet conditions; hypothermia can complicate resuscitation. If the victim is not breathing, start CPR.

When storms are approaching, be aware and be prepared.