Take Precautions During Thunderstorms

Take Precautions During Thunderstorms

News Release: June 1, 2007
Contact: Janice Osborne, Director-Communications and Marketing; American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley (610) 865-4400, ext. 262; pager (610) 508-4378

There is No Safe Place Outside During a Lightning Storm

Many people may take an approaching thunderstorm lightly because they happen so often, particularly in the summer season. Unfortunately, many people are not aware of the deadly force of lightning, say officials at the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley.

Lightning can strike from as far as 10 miles away of the area of the thunderstorm, so watch the skies and be aware of the weather conditions. A good rule of thumb is: If you can hear it, you are within striking distance.

There is no safe place outside during a thunderstorm, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). The NWS stresses finding substantial shelter before a storm hits.

What is a substantial shelter? A shelter that will insulate you from the lightning is generally closed and has some sort of plumbing or wiring throughout, grounding it from top (the roof) to bottom.

Outdoor shelters - picnic pavilions, golf huts and sheds - aren't safe during thunderstorms from lightning and flying debris. Sometimes, they aren't much better than being outside. Get to a sturdy building quickly.

If you have sought shelter, that is only the first step; you may still be at risk for being struck once you are inside. Remain safe indoors during a storm by:

Unplugging the telephone and unnecessary appliances.
Avoiding running water.
Turning off the air conditioner. Power surges cause costly damages!
Drawing the blinds in case a window breaks.
Listening to the news for updated weather reports.

If a sturdy building cannot be found, the next safest solution is an enclosed metal vehicle. A hard-topped car, SUV, mini-van or truck will insulate you; convertibles are not safe. Take the following precautions during the storm:

Pull off of the highway during a storm.
Avoid using electronics including cell phones or two-way radios.
Make sure all windows and doors are shut.

For more information on preparedness and safety, call the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley (610) 865-4400, or visit www.redcrosslv.org.

The American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley serves more than 800,000 residents of Carbon, Lehigh and Northampton counties. Last year the Red Cross provided health and safety education training; Lifeline, a personal response service for seniors; and emergency relief to more than 23,000 Greater Lehigh Valley residents. For more information about the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley or volunteer opportunities, call (610) 865-4400 or visit www.redcrosslv.org.