Lightning Preparedness
When thunder roars, go indoors!
If you hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR THUNDER & LIGHTNING
-
If you hear thunder and/or see lightning, get indoors (an open
structure, carport or covered patio are not considered safe).
-
If no enclosed structure is available, get inside a hard-topped
vehicle. Do not ride a motorcycle or bicycle during storms.
-
DO NOT take shelter under a tree!
-
Stay away from water (pools, lakes, rivers, oceans, etc.),
trees and other tall or metal objects.
-
Do not take a bath or shower during thunderstorms.
-
If you are on a boat, get to shore immediately if possible
-
Avoid being the tallest object around. If no shelter is nearby,
crouch down into a ball on the balls of your feet, away from
taller objects.
-
Avoid open spaces such as golf courses, open fields and
hiking trails when thunderstorms threaten.
-
Stay away from wire fences, metal clothes lines, power lines
and other electrically conductive objects.
-
Install surge protectors in your home and avoid using plug-in
electronics during thunderstorms.
THE 30-30 RULE
-
When you see lightning, could the number of seconds before you hear thunder.
-
Divide the number of seconds by 5 to figure out how many miles away the thunderstorm is.
-
Get indoors if the lightning-to-thunder delay is 30 seconds or less.
-
Stay indoors until 30 minutes have past since the last clap of thunder.
FIRST AID FOR A LIGHTNING STRIKE VICTIM
-
CALL 911 immediately.
-
If the victim is conscious, give first aid if needed and keep the victim calm.
-
Perform CPR (if trained and consent is implied or given by a guardian) if the victim is not breathing and doesn't have a pulse.
-
Stay with the victim (if it is safe for you to do so) until EMS arrives.