Thunder and lightning can put on a great show. Yet viewers should beware: Each year, lightning kills about 55 people in the U.S. and seriously injures hundreds more.
Summer months are the worst for lightning fatalities — on average, 72 percent of these deaths take place in June, July and August. Still, you should take care at any time of year. These strategies from the National Weather Service can help you protect your family from this potentially lethal phenomenon.
Get Inside
The safest place to be during a thunderstorm is inside a building. When you hear thunder or see lightning, go inside a fully enclosed home, school, hotel, office building, store or shopping center. Open carports or garages, picnic shelters, pavilions, baseball dugouts, sheds and tents aren't safe, so you should avoid them.
While inside:
-Don't use regular telephones. If you must place a call, use a cordless phone or cell phone.
-Don't use computers, TVs, radios or other electronic equipment.
-Postpone showers or baths until the storm is over.
-Be careful where you sit and stand. Stay a few feet from sinks, toilets, tubs, showers, open windows, appliances, electric boxes and outlets.
Get in a Vehicle
Cars, trucks or buses that are fully enclosed and have hard tops can provide safe shelter during a storm. However, convertibles, golf carts, riding mowers, open-cab vehicles and open boats aren't safe. Keep the radio off until the storm passes.
Reduce the Odds
If a thunderstorm approaches while you're hiking, camping or engaging in another activity far from a safe building or vehicle, these actions may reduce your risk for injury:
-Avoid open fields, the top of a hill or mountain or the edge of a ridge.
-Don't seek shelter under a tall or isolated tree. If you're in the woods, stay near a lower group of trees.
-Stay away from metal objects, such as tent poles, and wet items, such as ropes or clothing.
Perform First Aid
If someone with you is struck by lightning, seek emergency medical help immediately, if possible, move the person to a safe, dry location. Perform CPR if his or her heart or breathing has stopped. Watch for and treat signs of shock, such as sweaty and cold skin, irregular breathing, dilated pupils and weak but rapid pulse.
Like anything electrical, lightning can be dangerous. Taking precautions can help keep you safe.
Source: Good Neighbor Pharmacy Health Connection, July 2013
Share with Friend
