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Weather Safety - Lightning
Outdoors
- Remember, if you can hear thunder, you are close enough to
the storm to be struck by lightning. If possible, go to safe shelter
immediately! Lightning can strike several miles from the parent
thunderstorm.
- Get inside a building or an all-metal vehicle with the windows
rolled up. Avoid leaning against vehicles. Get off bicycles and
motorcycles.
- Do not take shelter in small sheds, under isolated trees, or
in convertible automobiles.
- Get out of the water, off the beach and out of small boats.
If caught in a boat, crouch down in the center of the boat, away
from metal hardware.
- When there is no shelter, avoid the highest object in the area.
Your best protection is to crouch in the open.
- Do not use metal objects like golf clubs, tennis rackets and
tools.
- Do not work on fences, telephone or power lines, piplelines,
steel fabrications, antennae, or on roof tops or other high places.
Stop work on heavy tractors and heavy construction equipment.
Do not seek shelter under the equipment.
- At construction sites, move to a location under a solid roof...avoid
openings such as windows or doors.
- Don't take shelter under a carport or in an open garage.
- If you feel your skin tingle or your hair stand on end, lightning
may be about to strike nearby. Squat low to the ground on the
balls of your feet. Place your hands on your knees with your head
between them. Make yourself the smallest target possible and minimize
your contact with the ground (see graphic below).
Indoors
- Stay away from open doors and windows, metal pipes, sinks,
and plug in electrical devices.
- Stay out of the shower or bathtub and stay off the toilet.
- Do not use a corded telephone or a computer.
- Unplug major appliances such as televisions.
- Turn off air conditioners- power surges from lightning can
overload the compressors.
First Aid
- Persons struck by lighting carry no electrical charge.
Any person struck by lightning needs PROMPT medical attention.
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