Lightning safety refresher, continued...

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Click on the below article link for background information to this blog post:

Examiner article

The NOAA offers these statistics:

“If you can hear thunder, you are within 10 miles (16 kilometers) of a storm—and can be struck by lightning. Seek shelter and avoid situations in which you may be vulnerable.

Use the 30-30 rule, when visibility is good and there is nothing obstructing your view of the thunderstorm. When you see lightning, count the time until you hear thunder. If that time is 30 seconds or less, the thunderstorm is within six miles (ten kilometers) of you and is dangerous. Seek shelter immediately.

Wait at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder before leaving shelter.

…stay away from windows and doors and avoid contact with anything that conducts electricity including landline telephones.

If a person is struck by lightning, medical care may be needed immediately to save the person's life. Cardiac arrest and irregularities, burns, and nerve damage are common in cases where people are struck by lightning. However, with proper treatment, including CPR if necessary…

Avoid washers and dryers, since they not only have contacts with the plumbing and electrical systems but also contain an electrical path to the outside through the dryer vent.

Avoid contact with plumbing. Do not wash your hands, do not take a shower, do not wash dishes, and do not do laundry.

Victims of lightning do not retain the charge and are not "electrified." It is safe to help them.

Rubber shoes will not give you any meaningful protection from lightning.

Lightning can—and often does—strike in the same place twice. Tall buildings and monuments are frequently hit by lightning.

A motor car with a metal top can offer you some protection—but keep your hands from the metal sides.

An umbrella can increase your chances of being struck by lightning if it makes you the tallest object in the area.”

A refresher course in weather safety never hurts. Pass this detail along, who knows, we may save a life in the process!