When there’s Lightning, Bolt to Safety Indoors

CHICAGO – It’s too easy to think we’re invincible when it comes to lightning storms—going outside, staying in the pool, or continuing a softball game as thunder sounds in the distance are not safe activities when lightning and thunder are in the area. Instead, move indoors when thunder roars—such a simple step could save more than 400 people from getting struck by lightning every year.

In recognition of Lightning Safety Awareness Week, June 19 – 25, 2016, FEMA is encouraging everyone to get storm safety smart:

  • There is no safe place outdoors when thunderstorms are in the area. Get indoors and avoid contact with corded phones, electrical equipment, plumbing, and windows and doors.
  •  Water is an excellent conductor of electricity – so get out of and away from water!  
  • Electricity always seeks the shortest path to its destination. Avoid tall, isolated trees or other tall objects in a lightning storm.
  • When camping, set up in a valley, ravine or other low area. Tents and open-sided shelters don’t provide protection from the dangers of lightning. If there isn’t a substantial building nearby, take shelter in your vehicle.
  • Wait 30 minutes after the last lightning or thunder before going back outside.
  • Anyone struck by lightning will need immediate medical attention. Call 911 and remember: lightning victims do not carry an electrical charge and are safe to touch.  

During Lightning Safety Awareness Week, FEMA Region 5 will be hosting a social media engagement campaign in collaboration with the National Weather Service in Chicago—get involved by following FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5 and www.facebook.com/fema. You can also find more valuable lightning safety tips by visiting www.ready.gov/thunderstorms-lightning and www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov. Consider also downloading the free FEMA app, available for your Android, Apple or Blackberry device, so you have the information at your fingertips to prepare for severe weather.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema.  Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at twitter.com/craigatfema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.
 

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Media Contact: Cassie Ringsdorf, 312-408-4455
 

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When there’s Lightning, Bolt to Safety Indoors

When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!

PORTSMOUTH, N.H. — Thunderstorms and lightning are in the forecast for much of New England this week. To be safe from dangerous lightning follow this simple rule: When thunder roars, go indoors.

Lightning kills an average of 55-60 people a year in the U.S. But 90 percent of those who are struck survive, often with permanent neurological disabilities. Eighty percent of lightning fatalities occur among men who were fishing, boating, golfing, biking, or working outdoors.

To be safe remember the 30/30 rule:  If you see lightning and cannot count to 30 before hearing thunder, lightning is close enough to strike you. Immediately move to safe shelter: a substantial building with electricity or plumbing or an enclosed, metal-topped vehicle with windows up. Stay in the safe shelter at least 30 minutes after you hear the last sound of thunder.

Indoor Lightning Safety

  1. Stay off corded phones, computers and other electrical equipment that put you in direct contact with electricity.
  2. Stay away from plumbing, including sinks, baths and faucets.
  3. Stay away from windows and doors, and stay off porches.
  4. Do not lie on concrete floors, and do not lean against concrete walls.

 Outdoor Risk Reduction Tips

  1. If you are in a forest, seek shelter in a low area under a thick growth of small trees.
  2. In an open area go to a low place such as a ravine or valley. Be alert for flash floods.
  3. On open water get to land and find shelter immediately.
  4. Never lie flat on the ground.
  5. Never shelter under an isolated tree.
  6. Get away from ponds, lakes and other bodies of water.
  7. Stay away from objects that conduct electricity (barbed wire fences, power lines, windmills, etc.)

To find out more and for resources to help teachers, communities, organizations and families stay safe from lightning dangers, go to www.ready.gov/thunderstorms-lightning or www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov.

 

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When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!