Lightning Safety Awareness Week, observed from June 22-28, 2025, emphasizes the critical importance of being prepared for thunderstorms. Lightning is a dangerous and unpredictable natural phenomenon, responsible for numerous injuries and deaths annually. Awareness and proactive measures are key to minimizing risk.
Here are some lightning safety tips:
- When thunder roars, go indoors! Seek immediate shelter in a substantial building or a hard-topped, enclosed vehicle with windows rolled up.
- Stay indoors for at least 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder. Lightning can strike even when the sky appears clear.
- Avoid contact with electrical equipment, corded phones, and plumbing. Lightning can travel through these conductors.
- Stay away from windows, doors, porches, and concrete floors/walls (which may contain metal).
- If caught outside with no safe shelter, avoid tall objects, open fields, and water. Crouch low to the ground in a ball-like position, but never lie flat.
Comments