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Weather Safety - Lightning
Outdoors
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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.
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Get
inside a building or an all-metal vehicle with the windows rolled
up. Avoid leaning against vehicles. Get off bicycles and motorcycles.
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Do
not take shelter in small sheds, under isolated trees, or in
convertible automobiles.
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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.
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When
there is no shelter, avoid the highest object in the area. Your
best protection is to crouch in the open.
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Do
not use metal objects like golf clubs, tennis rackets and tools.
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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.
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At
construction sites, move to a location under a solid roof...avoid
openings such as windows or doors.
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Don't
take shelter under a carport or in an open garage.
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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
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Stay
away from open doors and windows, metal pipes, sinks, and plug
in electrical devices.
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Stay
out of the shower or bathtub and stay off the toilet.
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Do
not use a corded telephone or a computer.
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Unplug
major appliances such as televisions.
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Turn
off air conditioners- power surges from lightning can overload
the compressors.
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