06/26/2019

Lightning Safety Tips

Thunderstorms can occur any time of the year during any hour of the day; however, most thunderstorms occur in the spring and summer months, typically May through August. Given that this week is Lightning Safety Week, we thought we would share some important information about staying safe during a thunderstorm.

How To Stay Safe During A Thunderstorm

1. Go inside. There is no safe place outside during a thunderstorm, including porches, but if for some reason you are stuck outside never use a tree, cliff, or overhang for shelter; avoid bodies of water and elevated areas; and stay away from things that conduct electricity.
2. Don’t used a corded phone, except in the case of an emergency; cordless phones and cell phones are safe to use. Avoid using all types of electronic equipment because lightning can travel through electrical, radio, and television systems.
3. Lightning can travel through plumbing, so avoid using water during a thunderstorm.
4. Stay away from windows and doors, and here’s one that I didn’t know – don’t lie on concrete floors or lean against concrete walls.
5. Stay indoors for at least 30 minutes after you hear the last sound of thunder.

According to the National Weather Service, lightning starts approximately 4,400 house fires each year, but chances vary depending on location and landscape. In fact, the top five most lightning-prone states according to the Weather Channel are as follows: Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Arkansas.