Tips to stay safe during thunderstorms
BLACKSBURG, Va., Oct. 3, 2007 – When lightning brightens the sky with a billion volts of power, it is dangerous power. Each year, about 400 children and adults in the United States are struck by lightning. Approximately 67 people are killed annually, but hundreds more are left to cope with permanent disabilities, according to information from the National Weather Service.
“The National Weather Service has good advice about being aware of lightning risk,” said Bobby Grisso, Virginia Cooperative Extension engineer.
Watch the skies. Most thunderstorms will build with dark cloud bases and increasing wind. All thunderstorms produce lightning and are dangerous. Lightning can strike as far as 10 miles away from any rainfall. If you can hear thunder, you can be struck by lightning.
Seek shelter in a sturdy building or a hardtop vehicle if a building is not available. Avoid sheds, picnic shelters, and bleachers. Stay away from isolated tall trees.
Be sure to have a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather radio that can operate with battery power. Listen for warnings and other important safety information directed to your area.
Avoid using the phone, appliances, televisions, computers, and other electronics. Unplug items that are sensitive to power surges. Do not turn off surge protectors unless you plan to unplug all connected items. Do not run water, and avoid standing near windows or glass doors.
If caught in an open area without shelter, move away from water or isolated tall items and crouch down with your head tucked low.
Do not lie down and do not put your head on the ground – lightning will travel through the ground around the strike zone. Spread groups of people out over several yards from each other.
Get away from open vehicles such as non-cab tractors, farm equipment, bicycles, and ATVs. Stay away from metal objects such as fences, golf clubs, metal rails, and ladders.
Get out of the water. Water does not typically attract lightning, but it is a great conductor of electricity. Lightning strikes on or near water can spread electricity over large areas of water quickly. If swimming or boating, you could be electrocuted even if not struck.
Blue skies may be deceiving. Wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder is heard to allow the storm to pass prior to returning to outdoor activities.
For more information on thunderstorm safety topics, visit the National Weather Service online at www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov.
Contact: Robert Grisso
Virginia Cooperative Extension Engineer
Virginia Tech
(540) 231-6538
rgrisso@vt.edu
Contact: Michael Sutphin
Writer
Communications and Marketing
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Virginia Tech
(540) 231-6975
msutphin@vt.edu
Writer: Susan Suddarth
Student Intern
Communications and Marketing
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Virginia Tech