Lightning Risks: Millburn Fire Department Offers Safety Tips

On Tuesday, the Millburn Fire Department issued an advisory to residents in an attempt to raise awareness about the potential dangers of lightning.

According to the MFD:

• In a thunderstorm, there is no safe place outside.
• As soon as you can hear thunder or see lightning, you are in danger.
• Lightning can strike up to 10 miles away from a storm.
• You should never seek shelter under a tree during a thunderstorm.
• The safest place to seek refuge is a sturdy shelter with walls, windows, electricity, and plumbing. A tent offers no safety from lightning.
• If shelter is not available, the next safest place is a hard-topped car with the windows rolled up.

“In addition to using common sense and remaining indoors during a storm, residents can reduce their risk by planning their activities around the weather,” said Chief Roberts. “Keep an eye on the forecast, and don’t schedule outdoor activities, such as swimming and hiking, when the risk of risk of lightning is present. If you are caught out in a storm far from home, it decreases your chance of finding safe shelter.”

Residents seeking more information about storm safety can visit www.weather.gov/lightning

File photo courtesy of John Fowler

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