11 Safety Tips for Lightning Storms

We’ve been busy with water claims and hoping the storms stay away. With these storms lightning is always present. I’ve put some tips together on lightning; please take the time to read these and feel free to share them with family and friends.

If Caught Outdoors:

1. Avoid putting yourself above the surrounding landscape. Seek shelter in low-lying areas such as valleys, ditches and depressions but be aware of flooding.
2. Stay away from water. Don’t go boating or swimming if a storm threatens, and get to land as quickly as possible if you are already on the water. Lightning can strike the water and travel a substantial distance from its point of contact.
3. Stay away from objects that conduct electricity, such as tractors, golf carts, golf clubs, metal fences, motorcycles, lawnmowers and bicycles.
4. Avoid being the highest point in an open area. Swinging a golf club, or holding an umbrella or fishing rod can make you the tallest object and a target for lightning.
5. You are safe inside a car during lightning, but be aware of downed power lines which may be touching your car. You are safe inside the car, but you may receive a shock if you step outside.
6. In a forest, seek shelter in a low-lying area under a thick growth of small trees or bushes. 
7. Keep alert for flash floods, sometimes caused by heavy rainfall, if seeking shelter in a ditch or low-lying area.

Indoor Precautions:

1. Before the storm hits, disconnect electrical appliances including radios and television sets. Do not touch them during the storm.
2. Don’t go outside unless absolutely necessary.
3. Keep as many walls as possible between you and the outside.
4. Don’t handle electrical equipment or telephones. The electrical current from the lightning strike will travel through wires and cords and if you are directly connected with them, you could be struck. Use battery operated appliances only. Cordless telephones are safe however you could receive a very loud noise on the phone which may seem like a shock. This would be consistent with the  house or somewhere nearby being struck by lightning.