Tips: How to Deal with a Thunderstorm

With thunderstorms still possible in the Southland, and in the aftermath of a fatal lightning strike at Venice Beach, county officials issued a series of storm safety tips today.

The county Office of Emergency Management noted that when a thunderstorm is occurring, nowhere outdoors is safe from possible lightning strikes, so people should seek shelter.

OEM officials recommended:

-- Seek shelter indoors when a storm occurs, remembering that small outdoor buildings such as dugouts, rain shelters and sheds are not safe. People should move to a substantial building with wiring and plumbing.

-- If thunder is audible, there is danger of a lightning strike.

-- Once inside, stay away from windows, doors and anything that conducts electricity, such as corded telephones, computers and other electronic equipment.

-- Electrical charges in clouds can linger following a storm, so people should wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities.

-- People should also avoid plumbing fixtures, such as sinks, baths and faucets.

-- If stuck outside, avoid elevated areas such as hills, mountain ridges or peaks.

-- Don’t use trees, cliffs or overhangs as shelter.

-- Stay away from ponds, lakes or other bodies of water.

-- Avoid any objects that conduct electricity, such as power lines and wire fences.

Additional tips are available from the National Weather Service online at www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/.

--City News Service