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Lightning
can strike anywhere
and is responsible for more deaths and property
loss than tornadoes, hurricanes and floods
combined. Below are some tips to protect
you and your family.
•
Get indoors! - when a storm
is approaching seek shelter immediately.
It is best for you to be inside, close your
windows and doors and stay away from them.
• Stay
off the phone (except for emergency
calls) electrical surges caused by lightning
can enter your home right through the telephone
line or the electrical wiring.
• Avoid
metal pipes, since these can be
conductors for lightning. Avoid touching
sinks and faucets. Do not take a bath
or shower.
• Stay
away from electrical equipment
and appliances including hairdryers and
curling irons, toasters and radios.
• Do
not try to unplug TVs, stereos
or computers during a storm – Use
surge protectors!
• Keep batteries
on hand for flashlights and radios
in case of a power outage.
Certain
locations are extremely hazardous during
lightning and thunderstorms.
If you're caught outside during
a lightning or thunderstorm and
you are unable to reach a lightning protected
building or hardtop automobile, be careful
as to where you take shelter.
• Take shelter
in tunnels, subways, or even ditches or
caves if they are all that is available.
• If caught on high ground
in a thunderstorm, or in an open area, seek
shelter in the lowest area you can find.
Avoid standing near tall or metal objects
such as trees (Do not use a tree
for shelter), fences, poles and
power lines.
• Avoid
side flashes, (sparks from a nearby
struck object), stay clear of fences or
isolated trees. Keep away from telephone
poles, power lines, pipelines or other such
electrically conductive objects.
•
Avoid open water such as
ponds, creeks, rivers, lakes, beaches, pools
or spas.
• Stop
fishing from a boat or dock and seek shelter.
• Get
off of farm equipment, motorcycles or bicycles.
Playing golf? Get out of the golf
cart and do not hold a metal golf
club during a thunder or lightning storm.
Take off golf shoes with metal spikes.
• If
you're with a group of people,
spread out.
•
If you feel a tingling and your
hair stands on end, lightning may
be about to strike! Crouch down immediately.
Do not lie down or place your hands on the
ground.
Remember,
precautions should be taken even if the
thunderstorm is not directly overhead.
Source: Electrical Safety Foundation International
Source: Kuefler Lightning Protection
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