Outdoor Safety

Don't let Lightning strike once......

Every year, about 100,000 thunderstorms occur in the world.Complete with nature's spectacular fireworks display: lightning . Almost 100 people are killed by lightning annually when bolts of millions of volts of electricity connect with the ground-an event that occurs about 30 million times a year. And now, researchers believe lightning can kill people without apparently entering or leaving their bodies or without producing visible marks. Electromagnetic discharges from lightning bolts passing close to people without touching them can create a current in the body strong enough to stop the heart cold. To avoid lightning and lightning strikes, follow these precautions........

• Be aware of when lightning might strike.

Begin to move inside as soon as a storm looks imminent. Lightning can strike even before a drop of rain hits the ground. Nine out of 10 lightning-related deaths happen in the thunderstorm season-when people are more likely to be outdoors. And most deaths occur in the late afternoon or early evening.

• Stay low to the ground.

Lightning is attracted to anything that rises above the landscape, so never seek shelter under a tree or under an open structure such as an observation tower. If lightning zaps a tree or structure, the electricity is conducted downward-and into any bystander. If you're in an open field, crouch down or look for a low-lying ditch or ravine.

• Avoid heavy metal.

Stay away from golf clubs and carts, umbrellas, and tools. Metal fences are also dangerous lightning magnets. If you are on bike or tractor, get off and move several feet away.

• Stay away from electrical conductors inside your house.
  

For the best protection, install lightning rods on your roof. When lightning hits a house without lightning rods, the current can travel through telephone wires or plumbing. During thunderstorms, avoid the telephone, plumbing, fireplaces, windows and electronic appliances ( which should be turned off ).

• Stash that cellular phone.

Cellular phones are lightning attractors. Don't use yours during a thunderstorm if you are near open areas outside or are near a window.