IF
YOU CAN HEAR THUNDER, YOU ARE WITHIN STRIKING DISTANCE.
SEEK SAFE SHELTER IMMEDIATELY!
Outdoors:
- Never use a tree as a shelter.
- Don't wait for the rain. Lightning can strike 15 to 20 Km
ahead of the storm.
- Wait until the storm is well past your location before going
back out. Lightning can still strike several kilometres behind
the storm.
- Avoid areas that are higher than the surrounding landscape.
- Keep away from metal objects including bikes, golf carts, fencing, machinery, etc.
- Avoid standing near tall objects.
- Immediately get out and away from pools, lakes and other bodies of
water.
- If you are in a crowd, spread out so you will not be able to touch
each other.
- If you feel a tingling sensation, or your hair begins to stand on
end, lightning may be about to strike you or very nearby. If so,
crouch down and cover your ears. Do not lie down or place your
hands on the ground.
- Victims of lightning strikes should be administered CPR
immediately. They hold no residual charge from the lightning and can
be safely handled. In many cases, the strike to the victim could
have stopped their heart. CPR is essential in saving their life.
Indoors:
- Stand
clear from open windows, doors and keep away from electrical
appliances.
- Do
not attempt to unplug TVs, stereos, computers, etc. during a
storm. Do this BEFORE the storm arrives.
- Avoid
contact with metal plumbing including sinks, baths and faucets
that are connected to those pipes.
- Do
not use telephones that are connected directly to the phone
jack. Use cellular and cordless phones with caution.
Boating:
- Seek safe harbour immediately.
- If not able to seek a safe harbor, go inside the cabin with
windows and door closed.
- If no cabin available, crouch down as low as possible without
lying down.
- If more than one person onboard, try to spread out so no one can
touch each other.
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Lightning
Safety