When Thunder roars go Indoors
When thunder roars, go indoors because lightning is on the way! Lightning strikes the United States about 25 million times a year. Although most lightning occurs in the summer, people can be struck at any time of year. Rabun County Assistant Fire Chief Justin Upchurch offers this lightning safety advice. “Thunder and lightning storms happen all the time and we need to know what to do to keep you and your family safe when storms strike. Stay off corded phones, computers, or any other electrical equipment that puts you in direct contact with the electricity. My mom always said, never take a shower or bath when a lightning storm happens and there is validity to that. Stay away from windows and doors and stay off of porches. If you can hear thunder you are within striking distance of lightning. Seek shelter immediately in a building or a hardtop vehicle. Don’t go under trees for shelter. There is really nowhere outside that is safe during a thunderstorm. You need to wait at least 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder before leaving your shelter. Be careful when you are in open areas like sports fields and golf courses because they are very prone to getting lightning strikes. Of course, it is going to go toward the highest point and that very well could be you. If you are on open water, go to land, and seek shelter immediately. If a person does happen to be struck by lightning or you think they may have been struck, call 911 to get medical care immediately. Victims of lightning strikes care no electrical charge, so you don’t have to worry about anything happening to you. Of course, in the worst-case scenario, administer CPR, if you know how, and it is needed.” Lightning kills 20 or more people in the United States each year, and hundreds more are severely injured.