Outdoors
Never seek shelter under a tree!
If you can hear thunder, you are within striking distance--seek safe
shelter immediately |
Stop any organized outdoor sporting activity at the first clap of thunder to ensure everyone has time to get to a large building or enclosed vehicle.
Lightning can strike as far as 10 miles from the area where it is
raining. That's about the distance you can hear thunder.
Use the 30-30 Rule:
Don't be fooled by sunshine or blue sky!
Avoid flag poles, utility poles, isolated trees, open fields, metal bleachers, metal fences, covered patios, and convertible cars. Lightning often strikes the tallest object. Metal does not attract lightning, but it is a conduit for any electrical charge. Be sure you are not higher than your surroundings or YOU could be the conduit.
If you feel the hairs standing up on the back of your neck, lightning may strike very near you in a matter of moments. Crouch down and hug your knees. If you can, balance yourself on the balls of your feet. The less contact you have with the ground the better.
Get out of and completely away from the water. Don't stand in puddles of water even if you are wearing rubber boots.
Avoid Unsafe Shelters: A
shelter that does not contain plumbing or wiring throughout is not safe.
Plumbing and wiring provide grounding; a small outdoor shelter may
shield you from rain and wind, but it will not protect you from
lightning.
Don't rely on the fact that taller objects may draw the lightning away from you. The electrical charge will likely spread out along the surface of the ground for a distance of more than 100 feet.
NO PLACE OUTSIDE IS SAFE NEAR A THUNDERSTORM!
Check out the Severe Weather Links for additional information.
