Severe Weather Threats: Lightning

Thunder and lightning storms are such a common weather conditions during the summer months that people often ignore the risks. 

But according to the National Weather Service, lighting is nothing to fool around with. It kills over 50 people in the United States every year, and starts countless wildfires, which often threaten lives and property. Lightning also injures many people and causes power outages and other damage.

The National Weather Service says that there are approximately 25 million lightning flashes around the nation annually. There can be hundreds of flashes in just one severe storm.

Although statistically the risk of being struck by lighting is low, it should not to be discounted. Protect your employees by taking a little time soon in a safety meeting or training session to stress the danger of lighting.

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Three Simple Precautions

Three simple precautions can greatly reduce the risk of being struck by lightning, according to the National Weather Service.

1.  Keep an eye on the sky. Thunderstorms develop as a result of the sun heating the air. As the air gets warmer, it rises and big puffy clouds (cumulus) form. If the air continues to get hotter, cumulus clouds grow upward. If you see a towering cloud in the sky, you might be looking at a developing thunderstorm that can deliver lightning strikes.

2.  If you’re outside, seek shelter. If you’re outdoors and you see the sky darkening and hear the rumble of thunder, it’s time to seek shelter in a building or vehicle. The National Weather Service says that lightning can strike from as far away as 10 miles from where it’s raining. This is about the distance you can hear thunder. So if you hear thunder, you’re at risk of being struck by lighting.

3.  If you’re indoors, stay in and take precautions. Even inside, you’re not entirely safe from lightning. The National Weather Service says to stay off landline phones, computers, and other electrical equipment. Also stay away from tubs, showers, and other plumbing. As the storm subsides, wait 30 minutes after the last thunder clap before heading outside.

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Help for Lightning Victims

The National Weather Service says that lightning victims are safe to touch, unlike someone who is still in contact with an electrical source like a power line or piece of electrical equipment.

Lighting victims need immediate medical assistance, so the first step is always to call 911. Since a lightning strike can cause cardiac arrest, the next step in many cases is to perform CPR if the person has no pulse and is not breathing. If an automatic external defibrillator (AED) and trained operator are available, use the AED to restore normal heart function.

Tomorrow, we’ll talk about another severe weather hazard—tornadoes.

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