Work Week Weather: It's Lightning Safety Week

Welcome to summer. Monday is a perfect summer day.

“With a good deal of sunshine… we should see the temperatures jump into the 80s, while humidity should be relatively comfortable…” said Bill Potter of Hudson Valley Weather.

However.

Severe storms are in the offing for the Northeast on Tuesday bringing the threat of damaging winds and flooding downpours, said AccuWeather Meteorologist Brian Lada.

Click here for Somers and Yorktown’s in-depth weather forecast.

Well, as this week is recognized as Lightning Safety Week by the National Weather Service, this seems like a good time to review lightning safety tips.

So far this year, the NWS has confirmed seven lightning related fatalities, four of which occurred during recreational activities.

Lightning Safety Awareness Week is June 21 through June 27 and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) advises it’s a great opportunity to review safety procedures. Foremost, it’s important to remember — “When thunder roars, go indoors!”

Do you and your family know what to do if you’re caught outside during a thunderstorm?

In a statement, NOAA said, “Talk with your family about lightning safety and how to reduce the risk of being struck by lightning even while indoors.” According to the agency, there are three main ways lightning enters structures — through a direct strike, through wires or pipes that extend outside the structure, and through the ground.

NOAA offers several tips to stay safe while indoors during a thunderstorm, including:

• Use cellular or cordless phone; do not use corded phones;
• You can safely use remote controls, but do not touch electrical equipment such as computers, TVs or cords;
• Do not wash your hands, take a shower, wash dishes or do laundry;
• Stay away from windows, doors and porches; and
• Do not lie or sit on concrete floors or lean against concrete walls.

NOAA also can help parents make learning about lightning fun for kids with these interactive NOAA games and experiments.

Photo credit: frankieleon via Flickr.com.