Health and Wellness Tips
Lightning Safety
Lightning isn't something to be taken lightly!
Warning signs to look for before lightning strikes include developing clouds, darkening skies and distant rumbles.
Don't wait until it strikes near you to respond.
If a storm develops with lightning:
- Take cover in a large building (not a tent or shed) or a car (not a convertible) or truck.
- Don't touch large metal objects (e.g., sinks, stoves, refrigerators, metal beds)
- Stay away from water (don't take a bath or shower).
- Don't use a wired telephone, except for an emergency. Cellular phones are okay.
If you can't get to a building, car or truck:
- stay away from tall, isolated objects (trees, utility polls, towers)
- stay away from water and metal objects (e.g., golf clubs, bikes, fishing polls, metal-framed backpacks, railroad tracks, etc.)
- take shelter in a low area such as a ravine or valley, or under a thick growth of small trees if you are in the woods.
- if you are on a level field and you feel your hair stand on end, this means lightning is about to strike. Kneel or squat, hands on knees, not on the ground. This is safer than lying down because: 1) you are low to the ground, and 2) only a small area of your body - feet and knees - is in contact with the ground.
- if you are with a group of people, spread out.
If you are in a boat, try to make it to shore. If you can't, get below, or crouch down in the middle of the boat.
Lightning from a distance can produce some of the most spectacular light shows. However, lightning, up close and personal, can be damaging, if not deadly to those it strikes.
Enjoy the outdoors, and stay safe by keeping in touch with your surroundings at all times.
