Lightning Safety

Lightning Safety

By: Bill Nelson

Summertime is thunderstorm time for Arizona. The chance of being hit by lightning is very small, reading over this sheet can make it even less for you and your friends.

In recent years, people have been killed by lightning while boating, fishing in a boat, swimming, golfing, bike riding, standing under a tree, riding on a lawnmower, talking on the telephone, loading a truck, playing soccer, and mountain climbing. Your chance of being struck (or some other way affected) by lightning is extremely small Nevertheless, more people are killed by lightning year in and year out than by another other weather phenomenon; typically on the order of 100 people or so annually in the United States. Furthermore, lightning does not have to kill you to create major problems in your life. Several hundred people are affected by lightning in the U.S. every year, short of being killed.

The summits of mountains, crests of ridges, slopes above timberline, and large meadows are extremely hazardous places to be during lightning storms. If you are caught in such an exposed place, quickly descend to a lower elevation, away from the direction of the approaching storm, and squat down or kneel down on a pad, keeping your head low. A dense forest located in a depression provides the best protection. Avoid taking shelter under isolated trees or trees much taller than adjacent trees. Stay away from water, metal fences and other objects that will conduct electricity long distances. (from Philmont 2000 Guidebook to Adventure)

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Before the storm: Check weather forecasts ahead of time. Know the area you're in. Watch the sky. Listen to NOAA broadcasts for "watches"(stormy conditions likely), or "warnings"(actual storms).

If you are boating or swimming, get to land and find shelter right away.

If you are in a group, you should not huddle together, but spread out at least 100 feet apart. If one member of your crew is jolted, the rest of you can give assistance. Keep track of one another by numbering off in a loud voice from time to time. Whenever lightning is near, take off backpacks with either external or internal metal frames. Be sure to pitch your tents in an area that is protected from lightning strikes.

The best shelter is in a sturdy building or hardtop vehicle. Do not take shelter in small sheds

When you are away from buildings and vehicles, shelter is in a low area under shorter trees when tall trees are nearby. Take off your pack, this will also help you run for shelter. Put on your rain gear. Do not shelter under isolated trees, or under tall trees when shorter trees are nearby.

Stay away from metal items like pipes, fences, telephone poles and lines. Use the telephone only in an emergency. Do not take a bath or shower, and don't hold an electrical appliance.

To estimate the distance in miles between you and the lightning, count the seconds between the flash and the sound of the thunder, and divide by five.

If you feel your skin tingle or your hair stand on end, or if you are the tallest thing around, do the "LIGHTNING SAFE CROUCH " Squat low to the ground on the balls of your feet. Place your hands on your knees with your head between them. If you have a pad, stand on it. Make yourself the smallest target possible, and minimize your contact with the ground, thus reducing danger from ground currents. Stay this way until the storm passes, perhaps 15 to 45 minutes.

Myths and Facts

Myth: If it's not raining, then there is no danger from lightning.

Fact: Lightning often occurs as far as 10 miles away from any rainfall, in or around the future path of the storm.

Myth: Rubber shoe soles and auto tires will protect you from being struck.

Fact: These provide NO protection. The steel frame of a hardtop vehicle provides some protection, if you are not touching metal inside.

Myth: After being struck by lightning, a person carries an electrical charge, and should not be touched.

Fact: Not true. Attend to the victim immediately, CPR may be needed immediately.

Myth: "Heat lightning" without sound poses no threat, it simply occurs after very hot summer days.

Fact: This is from a thunderstorm too far away for the thunder to be heard. It may be moving in your direction.

More info: http://www.geocities.com/bsatroop14