NOAA 2002-037 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Andrew Freedman 4/25/02 |
NOAA News
Releases 2002 NOAA Home Page NOAA Public Affairs |
Safety Highlighted during Lightning Awareness Week NOAA National Weather Service, an agency of the Commerce Department's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, is teaming its lightning experts with educators to increase awareness of the risks posed by lightning during the Second Annual Lightning Safety Awareness Week, which kicks off on April 28. Its main goal is teaching lightning safety skills to millions of children in the United States. Lightning is the second deadliest
weather-related killer in the United States, averaging 73 deaths
per year. In addition, hundreds more are injured, many with serious
and lasting impacts on their quality of life. "Knowledge saves lives.
Our goal is to make the K-12 students and their teachers and
coaches aware of the dangers of lightning, and more importantly,
how to protect themselves and others from this threat,"
Vavrek said. Ogren said people are particularly vulnerable to lightning strikes when a storm is approaching or exiting their area. "Lightning can actually strike over 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. The easiest rule to follow is If you hear it, clear it...if you see it, flee it.' It is then safe to go back outside again 30 minutes after the last thunder or lightning," he said. The centerpiece of Lightning Safety Awareness Week is a comprehensive lightning safety website, http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov. The site contains interesting facts about lightning, and detailed information on where to seek shelter when thunderstorms threaten. It is a resource available throughout the year for students, teachers, and the public. On the website, visitors can download video presentations on everything from the causes of lightning to the medical consequences of being a lightning-strike victim. Survivor stories and a public service announcement featuring pro golfer Rocco Mediate are available. The Second Lightning Safety Awareness Week runs until May 4. Some Lightning Safety Tips:
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