Are You Ready For A Thunderstorm?
Summer is the peak season for one of the nation's deadliest weather phenomena— lightning. And we know that here in SW Virginia, we are very vulnerable to severe thunderstorms that pop up at a moments notice. In the United States, an average of 66 people are killed each year by lightning. In 2006, there were 47 confirmed deaths and 246 confirmed injuries. The injury number is likely far lower than it should be because many people do not seek help or doctors do not record it as a lightning injury.
People struck by lightning suffer from a variety of long-term, debilitating symptoms, including memory loss, attention deficits, sleep disorders, numbness, dizziness, stiffness in joints, irritability, fatigue, weakness, muscle spasms, depression, and an inability to sit for long.
Lightning is a serious danger. Roanoke Fire-EMS and the Office of Emergency Management want to share some important safety tips to keep you and your family safe during a thunderstorm.
Before Lightning Strikes...
Keep an eye on the sky. Look for darkening skies, flashes of light, or increasing wind. Listen for the sound of thunder.
· If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning. Go to safe shelter immediately!
· Listen to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for the latest weather forecasts.
When a Storm Approaches...
· Find shelter in a building or car. Keep car windows closed and avoid convertibles.
· Telephone lines and metal pipes can conduct electricity. Unplug appliances. Avoid using the telephone or any electrical appliances.
· Avoid taking a bath or shower, or running water for any other purpose.
· Turn off the air conditioner. Power surges from lightning can overload the compressor, resulting in a costly repair job!
· Draw blinds and shades over windows. If windows break due to objects blown by the wind, the shades will prevent glass from shattering into your home.
If Caught Outside...
· If you are in the woods, take shelter under the shorter trees.
· If you are boating or swimming, get to land and find shelter immediately!
Protect Yourself Outside...
· Go to a low-lying, open place away from trees, poles, or metal objects.
· Make sure the place you pick is not subject to flooding.
Be a Very Small Target!
· Squat low to the ground. Place your hands on your knees with your head between them. Make yourself the smallest target possible.
· Do not lie flat on the ground -- this will make you a larger target!
After the Storm Passes...
· Stay away from storm-damaged areas.
· Listen to the radio for information and instructions.
If Someone is Struck by Lightning...
· People struck by lightning carry no electrical charge and can be handled safely.
· Call for help. Get someone to dial 9-1-1.
· The injured person has received an electrical shock and may be burned, both where they were struck and where the electricity left their body. Check for burns in both places.
· Give first aid. If breathing has stopped, begin rescue breathing. If the heart has stopped beating, a trained person should give CPR.
Learn First Aid and CPR
· Take a Red Cross first aid and CPR course. Call your local Red Cross chapter for class schedules and fees.
By educating yourself about the dangers of lightning, you can help to keep yourself and your loved ones safe during a storm.
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