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HOW TO AVOID BECOMING A
LIGHTNING CASUALTY
"Be
proactive"
Become aware of expected weather by listening
to the extended weather forecasts. Decide on the criteria you
will use to stop your outdoor activities and where and when to
take shelter.
Have a plan during outdoor activities for
where and when to take shelter if lightning moves into the area.
Designate a group "lightning spotter" to warn the group
when lightning threatens.
- WHEN THUNDERSTORMS THREATEN
Estimate distance to the lightning using the
flash-to-bang method. Count the seconds between the flash
of the lightning and the bang of the thunder. Divide the number
of seconds by five. The answer is approximately the number of
miles from you to the storm. Determine whether the storm is approaching
your position or moving away. If the storm is less than six
miles away (30 seconds) you may be in danger - take shelter
now! Take action in ample time to reach shelter.
Take shelter. Go inside a building or vehicle
-- do not touch anything metal or anything that is connected to
power, phone, plumbing, television or computers. Shelter in a
stand of trees of even height. Stand away from the trunks. Do
not shelter below isolated trees. Move off the peaks and out of
exposed areas. Get out of water and move away from shorelines.
If with a group, spread out. Drop fishing rods, rifles and remove
metal objects that are in contact with your body.
"Don’t
be, or don’t be connected to the highest object in the area."
If you have ignored these precautions
and are caught out, crouch down on the balls of your feet with
your head down, arms wrapped around your knees with your hands
over your ears. If you cannot assume or hold this position
stand in the safest area available with your feet together. Stay
protected until the storm leaves your area -- many casualties
occur because people do not take shelter soon enough or leave
their shelter too soon. Wait at least 30 minutes after the last
lightning discharge in your area before leaving the safety of
your shelter.
"It
is far safer not to get caught out in a thunderstorm than to try
to protect yourself once the storm has started!"
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