When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors: Lightning Safety

11/6/2020 (Permalink)

When thunderstorms are in the area, no place outside is safe.

Even though lightning strikes are associated with summer storms, people can still be struck at any time of year. According to the National Weather Service, ‘lightning kills 20 or more people in the United States each year, and hundreds more are severely injured.’

There are a lot of myths associated with lightning:

• Myth: If it is not raining or there aren’t clouds overhead, you are safe from lightning.

Fact: Lightning often strikes more than three miles from the center of the thunderstorm; 10-15 miles from the rain or thunderstorm cloud.

• Myth: Lightning never strikes the same place twice.

Fact: Lightning often strikes the same place repeatedly, especially if it is a tall, pointy, isolated object, such as the Empire State Building, which is hit an average of 23 times a year!

Lightning safety tips:

• No place outside is safe when thunderstorms are in the area
• If you hear thunder, lightning is close enough to strike you.
• When you hear thunder, immediately move to safe shelter: A substantial building with electricity/or plumbing, or an enclosed metal-topped vehicle with the windows up.
• Stay in safe shelter at least 30 minutes after you hear the last sound of thunder.

Indoor Lightning Safety Tips:

• Stay off of corded landline phones, unplug computers, TV sets and other electrical equipment (these electrical devices put you in direct contact with electricity).
• Avoid being near any plumbing such as baths, faucets and sinks.
• Stay off porches, and away from windows and doors.

For more lightning safety tips, click here.

The bottom line in lightning safety is no place outside is safe. Seek shelter inside a substantial building.

Need help from a Storm Damage Event? Call SERVPRO of Charlottesville at 434-977-5850 for cleaning and restoration in Albemarle County, Wintergreen, Schuyler, Lake Monticello, Troy, and Palmyra. We’re “Here to Help”!