Lightning Safety: What You Need to Know

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

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!”

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.

See Also:

• Florida Waterspouts: What You Need to Know
• Video: 3 Children Injured When Waterspout Flips Bounce House
• 81-Year-Old Man Killed by Lightning Strike

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.

Lightning is a mainstay in Florida’s weather, especially in the summertime. Earlier this week, an 81-year-old Largo man was killed by a strike while he was taking a walk outdoors. The National Weather Service has forecast a chance for thunderstorms throughout the week, mainly in the afternoon hours.

For an extended forecast for your part of the Bay area, just visit the homepage of your local Patch.

Image via Shutterstock