It’s hard to remember a time when there have been so many
momentous storms one after the other bringing so much devastation in their
midst. The good news is that people pull together and help each other at times
like these—think the great coat giveaway by the car donation charity Kars For Kids after Hurricane Sandy.
The bad news is that people lose their homes and sometimes their lives in these
monumental weather events.
In some respects, you can’t really prepare for a storm. The theory
is much different than the reality which can change the course of one’s life in
the blink of an eye. At the same time, it can’t hurt to learn what we can about
protecting ourselves and our loved ones, whenever the opportunity presents. You
never know when a piece of information you learned from an article on the
Internet or heard from someone is going to come in handy. Rather than think of
this kind of information as “GIGO” (garbage in, garbage out), assume that some
of it will stick in your mind and be there when you need it.
Summer vacation is about to begin and we all like to spend lots of
time out of doors. But with summer comes summer storms, and with those storms
comes lightning. Here are some tips to help you stay safe and out of the eye of
the storm.
1. Hearing is believing. A little known fact is that lightning
can strike within 10 miles of a thunderclap. That means that if you can hear
thunder, you’re within striking distance. If you can manage it, stay indoors.
2. Get the forecast. Whether you listen to a recorded
weather forecast by phone, watch the forecast on television, or follow a
weather website on the Internet, always pay attention to the weather forecast.
If a storm is predicted, think about canceling or perhaps postponing your
plans.
3. Have a plan. Going out? Think about where
you can go find safe shelter in case of a thunderstorm.
4. Keep a close watch. Pay attention to the weather while on
outings of any kind. If you see a storm brewing, find a safe place to hang out
for the duration.
5. React to thunder. Was that a thunderclap you heard? Get
thee to a building. A nice strong one with serious infrastructure. None
available? Hunker down in a vehicle with a nice firm top (not a soft-top
convertible, natch?).
6. Avoid trees and other tall objects. So you’ve got the worst luck ever and you’re nowhere near shelter
when the storm hits. Don’t seek shelter under a tree or other tall object.
Those are just the kinds of things that lightning adores striking. Better to
stay on open ground.
7. Keep your distance from appliances. Don’t make contact with appliances or computers that are plugged
into electric sockets.
8. Stay dry. Don’t go near anything with plumbing,
for instance showers, tubs, sinks, and darest we say it? Toilets.
9. Go cordless. Mom was right. Don’t talk on corded
phones during a storm.
10. Keep away from windows and doors. They make good entry ports. ‘Nuff said.
11. Wait awhile. Has the storm abated? Wait another half an hour before you venture
out of doors, just to be sure it’s all over.
12. When lightning strikes. If in spite of your precautions,
someone gets struck by lightning, do not fear to help—touching the person
carries no danger (there’s no electric current left in the body). Some
lightning victims need CPR. In other cases, the lightning victim may need
defibrillation. The best thing to do is to call 911 immediately.
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