Lightning Safety Awareness Week

This week is the National Weather Service's Lightning Safety Awareness Week.  Lightning is one of the nation's deadliest weather phenomena. In the average year, 55 people are killed by lightning in the United States, and hundreds of people are permanently injured.  

There are some important facts about lightning that you should know as we are well into the summer season:

• NO PLACE outside is safe when thunderstorms are in the area!
• If you hear thunder, lightning is close enough to strike you.
• When you hear thunder, IMMEDIATELY move to shelter.
  • Safe shelter is a substantial building or inside an enclosed, metal-topped vehicle.
  • Stay safe in shelter for at least 30 minutes after you hear the last clap of thunder.
• When inside:

• Stay off electrical equipment that put you directly in contact with electricity (i.e. corded phones, computers, etc).
• Avoid plumbing - including sinks, baths, and faucets.
• Stay away from windows and doors; stay off porches.

The National Weather Service's easy to remember saying is "When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors"!  Much more information can be found on the NWS Lightning Safety website by clicking here.