Lightning Safety Awareness Week June 18-24, 2023

Sunday's Graphics:

Lightning safety awareness week runs from June 18 through June 24, 2023. Watch this video from the National Lightning Safety Council for more information: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6WfAdSuo8g 

While we have seen a downward trend in lightning deaths over the years, hundreds of people are still seriously injured and many of those injuries are never reported. Notice all of the lightning fatalities occurred while the person was doing an outdoor activity. 

The best way to minimize your risk of being struck by lighting is to stay informed and plan ahead. When outside, know where your safe place is, so that you can quickly take shelter if a thunderstorm threatens. Visit this webpage for more information: https://www.weather.gov/safety/lightning-safety-overview

Monday's Graphics

Lightning is one of the oldest observed natural phenomena on earth, but is also the least understood. Watch this video for an explanation of lightning formation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5HgOL8hYDBM

Dig deeper into lightning by learning about the types of lightning flashes along with negative vs. positive flashes by visiting this webpage: https://www.weather.gov/safety/lightning-science-scienceintro

What is thunder? How does it happen? Learn more here: https://www.weather.gov/safety/lightning-science-thunder and https://www.weather.gov/jetstream/thunder

Tuesday's Graphics

There is no safe place outside during a thunderstorm. If a thunderstorm is occurring or nearby, seek shelter inside a sturdy enclosed structure. Your hard topped vehicle can also provide good shelter. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFiXhJddC9w

During this time of the year, many of us look forward to doing outdoor activities. Unfortunately, it is during these recreational activities when a large amount of lightning casualties occur. Pay attention to the weather and don't wait to take shelter. https://www.weather.gov/safety/lightning-outdoors

Lightning can sometimes strike 10 miles or more away from a thunderstorm. Remember, even though it may only be lightly raining or not even raining at all, if you hear thunder, you are in danger - seek shelter. https://www.weather.gov/jetstream/lightning_safety

Wednesday's Graphics

The best shelter from lightning is a enclosed sturdy structure such as your home or building. Stay away from windows and electrical appliances or equipment and avoid plumbing. More on indoor lightning safety here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Az_Fefmqhus

Your metal topped vehicle can provide shelter from lightning, when no substantial building is available. The metal body and frame of the car conducts the current of the lightning around passengers, through the tires and into the ground. 

Don't forget about your pets and livestock during thunderstorms. Provide adequate shelter if possible.

Thursday's Graphics

About two thirds of lightning deaths are associated with outdoor recreational activities. Whether it is a little league game or a major sports event, planning on what to do when a thunderstorm approaches is essential for everyone’s safety. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pid1PGLVPAE

Plan ahead, be vigilant and know when outdoor activities should be stopped. Don’t wait until it is too late to take shelter. https://www.weather.gov/safety/lightning-sports

Some workers are at greater risk than others. People who work outdoors in open spaces, on or near tall objects, with explosives or with conductive materials such as metal have a greater exposure to lightning risks.https://www.weather.gov/media/owlie/OSHA_FS-3863_Lightning_Safety_05-2016.pdf https://www.weather.gov/safety/lightning-job

Friday's Graphics

Learn more about the different ways lightning can injure or kill you: https://www.weather.gov/safety/lightning-struck

For more information on lightning injuries and their effects: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNdMSwuHG8M Short term effects: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3zySSRcLWM Long term effects: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHhdhBGRY34

People struck by lightning DO NOT carry a charge and are safe to touch. Providing immediate medical attention to lightning victims could save their life.

Saturday's Graphics

Today we are going to talk about 3 myths about lightning. The first myth is about metal and lightning. The presence of metal makes absolutely no difference to  where lightning strikes. 

This lightning myth surprises many people. The fact is, it is the metal roof and metal sides of a car that protect you from the dangers of lightning.

Crouching down to the ground does not make you any safer during a thunderstorm and laying flat may actually increase you chance of being impacted by a ground current. There is no safe place outside during a thunderstorm. Seek shelter indoors or a hard topped vehicle.