Summer has arrived and we're all trying to spend more time outdoors. Gathering outside with family and friends for cookouts, boating, baseball and soccer games are an American tradition. However, summer does bring dangers, namely thunderstorms and lightning.
Here's some disturbing facts:
Deaths by Lightning
54% occur in open fields, ball parks and golf courses
23% under trees
12% on beaches and boats
7% operating farm machinery
4% other, including being near open windows and bicycling
According to the NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) here's a few things you can do to improve your safety during a thunderstorm:
When you hear thunder or see lightning, you should immediately seek safe shelter — a building with electricity and/or plumbing or a metal-topped vehicle with the windows closed. Picnic shelters, dugouts, small buildings without plumbing or electricity are not safe. Once inside, follow these important safety tips:
- Stay off corded phones. (You can use cellular or cordless phones.)
- Don't touch electrical equipment or cords.
- Avoid plumbing. Do not wash your hands, take a shower or wash dishes.
- Stay away from windows and doors, and stay off porches.
- Do not lie on concrete floors or lean against concrete walls.
Nowhere outside is safe when thunderstorms are in the area. Run to a safe building or vehicle when you first hear thunder, see lightning or observe dark threatening clouds developing overhead. Stay inside until 30 minutes after you hear the last clap of thunder.
Be safe! Thanks for reading.
