Emergency Services

Lightning kills, and the damage that survivors live with can be devastating.  Lightning can change your life in a flash.

Paralysis,
hearing and vision loss, burns, numbness and memory loss are some of
the long term injuries that can result from a strike.  Often, the
recovery is long and hard, and many never fully recover.

The
majority of victims over the last 60 years have been struck by seeking
shelter under tall trees.  When lightning strikes a nearby tree, the
amount of electricity traveling through it can kill a person standing
under it.  Other indirect strikes include those that travel through the
telephone and those that “splash” or “ricochet” off metal bleachers,
fences, light poles or goal posts.

The first peal of thunder can
happen as a player is being struck.  Parents and coaches should stop
games and seek strudy shelter if there is a chance that lightning is in
the area.

Organized outdoor activities, such as soccer and
baseball games, present serious danger to children playing them. 
Coaches should get their players to safety at the first sight of
danger.  Dugouts are not safe from lightning.  Campers and boaters are
also at a high risk of lightning strikes.  Metal tent poles, fishing
rods and boat attenae can also attract a strike.

Lightning can
strike before, during and after a storm.  Whether the ground is wet or
dry, the electricity in a strike can travel up to 15 miles in any
direction.  When you see dark skies, get inside a sturdy building and
stay there  for at least 30 minutes after the storm has stopped.

Before the Storm:
Check the weather forecast before going outdoors.
Be
aware of signs of an approaching or developing storm- distant lighting
or thunder, darkening and towering clouds, or large rain drops before
the first lightning strike.
Make sure you have a NOAA Weather radio
at your golf course, athletic field complex or any other outdoor
venue.  Also buy one for your home.
Watch for environmental clues
such as dark clouds and strong winds that may signal a severe
thunderstorm.  When you hear about a severe thunderstorm warning, take
appropriate action.

When You Hear Thunder:
Immediately move inside a sturdy building.  Avoid picnic or rain shelters.
Once
inside a building, close all windows and outside doors.  Stay off the
telephone and away from electrical outlets and metal pipes.
If you
cannot get to a building, seek shelter in a vehicle with a metal roof. 
Close all windows and doors and avoid touching any inside metal.

If You Are Caught Outdoors and Cannot Get to a Building:
Find a low spot away from trees, fences and poles.
If you are in the woods, take shelter under the shorter trees or low brush.
If you are on the water, move to land immediately and find a low spot.
If
you feel your skin tingle or hair stand on end, squat low to the ground
on the balls of your feet.  Tuck your head down and place your hands
over your ears. Make yourself the smallest, shortest possible target
while minimizing your contact to the ground.

When To Resume Outdoor Activities:
Wait at least 30 minutes after the last sound of  thunder to return to your activities.