Lightning
LightningThe Underrated Killer EVERY THUNDERSTORM CONTAINS LIGHTNING. What is Lightning? The action of rising and descending air within a thunderstorm separates positive and negative electrical charges. Lightning results from the buildup and discharge of electrical energy between these positively and negatively charged areas. Lightning charges may reach as high as 100 million volts. This electrical charge is always searching for the path of least resistance to complete the circuit. Lightning will normally strike the tallest object in the area of the potential discharge. Tall trees, light poles and telephone lines are frequent targets for lightning strikes. Lightning is always a potential killer. Whether the storm is a large spring-time severe storm or the more common afternoon variety, it contains this deadly killer. It may strike an isolated tree or an object out in the open, or it may strike you. Keep in mind that you do not have to be standing directly beneath a cloud to be hit. Lightning may strike many miles from the parent storm. In an average year, lightning will claim more victims than tornadoes or hurricanes! LIGHTNING SAFETY RULES OUTDOORS Seek shelter inside a house, large building or an all metal vehicle with the windows rolled up (avoid convertibles). If your hair stands on end and your skin tingles... lightning is about to strike. Take cover immediately. If you can't find appropriate shelter, get down to avoid being the highest point for a lightning discharge. When caught in the open, seek shelter in a low area. Crouch down and cover your head with your hands. If you are with a group of people, everyone should scatter out before crouching. If caught in a wooded area seek out the area with the smallest trees. Stand at least five feet from the trunk of the nearest tree to avoid flying bark, should the tree be hit by lightning. When boating, head for shore and get into a shelter, or vehicle. If caught in a boat, lie down in the boat with cushions between you and the boat's side and bottom. AVOID Large trees, hilltops and other high places. Chain link fences and any other metal fences like those around ball parks and play grounds. Pools, motorcycles, scooters, golf carts, small metal sheds, bicycles, tractors and farm equipment that does not have an enclosed metal cab. Do you know what group of people are most likely to get struck by lightning? It is farmers, followed then by golfers. LIGHTNING SAFETY RULES INDOORS Stay away from windows. Avoid telephones and electrical appliances (wires connecting to these devices run outside of the home and act as lightning rods). Don’t wash dishes or take a shower. The pipes will conduct electricity. Unplug computers and other sensitive electrical devices (time permitting) since surge suppressors may not protect these items if lightning hits close to the home. Remember, there is no truth to the old myth that “lightning never strikes twice.” Take time this week to learn or refresh your memory on lightning safety rules. That quick dash out in the open when a thunderstorm is in progress may unnecessarily expose you to the possibility of being struck. It is not worth the risk. If a person is struck by lightning, there is no residual charge left on the body. The quick application of CPR may maintain vital body functions until medical help can be obtained. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Large Hail - An Added Hazard The strong rising currents of air within a storm, called updrafts, carry water droplets to a height where freezing occurs. Ice particles grow in size and become too heavy to be supported by the updraft and then fall to the ground as hail. Large hailstones may fall at speeds faster than 100 mph. Light reflecting from the large hail high up in the storm often gives the storm an eerie yellow green color. This is an indication that this storm may be strong. Hail rarely causes deaths, but injuries do occur. If you are outside, move inside a building or a car with a hard top. Make sure that outdoor pets and other animals have access to shelter. |