'When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors' National Lightning Safety Awareness Week

By ETHAN LEVINE (Patch Staff)

Lightning strikes have already taken their toll on Montgomery County this month. Were you prepared? Will you be prepared the next time lightning strikes in Maryland?

Lightning Safety Awareness Week begins this Sunday, June 21, and runs through Saturday, June 27. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration notes it’s a great opportunity to review safety procedures.

First and foremost, the NOAA asserts it’s important to remember one simple rule: “When thunder roars, go indoors!”

In a statement, the 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 NOAA, there are three primary ways lightning enters structures: Through a direct strike, through wires or pipes that extend outside the structure, and through the ground.

Here’s the latest on the rainy Father’s Day weekend weather forecast.

The 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.

Image credit: frankieleon (via Flickr.com)