August 11, 2008

Thunderstorms and Lightning Tips.

Since lightning recently struck five men in Nassau County during an athletic event, the Nassau County Department of Health would like to offers these timely tips from the American Red Cross and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to help residents stay safe during thunderstorms.

All thunderstorms produce lightning, which is very unpredictable and can strike even when there is no rain. If you hear thunder less than 30 seconds after you see lightning, go indoors and stay indoors for 30 minutes after hearing the last thunder clap (30/30 Rule.)  Remember, lightning is attracted to tall objects such as trees and telephone polls as well as to metal and water. If you see flashes of light and hear thunder nearby:

• Immediately find shelter in an enclosed building or hard-topped car, not a convertible. Avoid gazebos and open shelters such as a bus shelter or baseball dugout.  If in a car, keep the windows closed. 

• Avoid using a corded telephone or electrical appliances.

• Avoid taking a bath or shower since lightning is attracted to water as well as metal and tall objects.

• If boating or swimming, immediately return to land and seek shelter.

• If you cannot find shelter, go to a low-lying, open place away from trees, poles or metal objects. Make yourself small by squatting down with your feet together, head on your knees and hands over your ears. Do NOT lie flat on the ground!

If someone is hit by lightning, immediately call 911 for help.  Individuals hit by lightning are not dangerous to touch; they do NOT carry an electrical charge. If the person is not breathing or does not have a heartbeat, start CPR and administer first aid until help arrives.

A lightning strike can cause your heart to stop beating, burns to the skin, broken bones, damage to the nervous system and muscles as well as loss of hearing and eyesight.

Across the United States, about 300 people are injured and 80 people are killed each year by lightning.

For more information, go to www.redcross.org/services/disaster or www.fema.gov/hazard/thunderstorm/index.