Lightning Safety

 

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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