SUNDAY, June 20, 2004 (HealthDayNews) -- Summer is prime time for lightning strikes. So it's important to know how to keep yourself and your family safe when a storm hits.
For starters, there are steps you can take before the lightning arrives, like keeping an eye out for darkening skies, flashes of light or increasing wind. Listen for any sounds of thunder, because if you can hear thunder you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning, according to the Henry County Department of Public Safety (HCDPS) in Martinsville, Va.
As the storm approaches, find shelter in a building or car and keep the windows closed and the shades or blinds drawn. Unplug appliances and avoid using the telephone or running water for a shower or any other purpose. And if possible, turn off the air conditioner, because power surges from lightning can overload the compressor and damage your system.
For those unfortunate enough to be caught outside, the HCDPS makes the following recommendations:
- If you're in the woods, take shelter under shorter trees.
- If you're boating or swimming, get to land and find shelter immediately.
- Go to a low-lying, open place away from trees, poles or metal objects.
- Be as small a target as possible, squatting low to the ground and placing your head between your knees.
- Make sure the place you pick isn't subject to flooding.
When the storm passes, you may still not be out of the woods. Be sure to stay away from storm-damaged areas and listen to the radio for information and instructions. And remember to wait a half an hour after the last lightning is seen to venture outdoors again.
More information
To learn more about protecting yourself from lightning, visit the National Lightning Safety Institute.
