THUNDERSTORM SAFETY

We are in the midst of thunderstorm season and it is a good time for a reminder of the seriousness of these common summer-time storms.

All thunderstorms produce lightning and are dangerous. If you hear the sound of thunder, then you are in danger from lightning. Lightning kills between 75 to 100 people each year and being outdoors in the most dangerous place to be. Always listen to the radio and television for the latest information and instructions for your area.

A THUNDERSTORM WATCH means a thunderstorm is possible for your area.

A THUNDERSTORM WARNING means a thunderstorm is taking place in your area.

If you are outdoors:

• Keep an eye at the sky. Look for darkening skies, flashes of lightning, or increasing winds. Lightning often precedes rain; so don’t wait for the rain to begin. If you hear the sound of thunder, go to a safe place immediately.
• The best place to go is a sturdy building or a car, but make sure the windows in the car are shut. Avoid sheds, picnic areas, baseball dugouts and bleachers.
• If there is no shelter around you, stay away from trees. Crouch down in the open area, keeping twice as far away from a tree as it is tall. Put your feet together and place your hands over your ears to minimize hearing damage from thunder.
• If you’re with a group of people stay about 15 feet from each other.
• Stay out of water. It’s a great conductor of electricity. Swimming, wading, snorkeling and scuba diving are not safe. Also, don’t stand in puddles.
• Avoid metal. Stay away from clotheslines, fences, and drop your backpacks because they often have metal on them.
• If you’re playing an outdoor activity, wait at least 30 minutes after the last observed lightning strike or thunder.

If you are indoors:

• Avoid water. It’s a great conductor of electricity, so do not take a shower, wash your hands, wash dishes or do laundry.
• Do not use a corded telephone. Lightning may strike exterior phone lines.
• Do not use electric equipment like computers and appliances during a storm.
• Stay away from windows and doors, and stay off porches.

If someone is struck by lightning:

• Call for help. Call 9-1-1 or send for help immediately.
• The injured person does not carry an electrical charge, so it is okay to touch them.

Protect your sensitive electronic equipment from damage associated with electrical storms, with surge protection. SVEC’s “The Shield,” Surge protection program protects your home with a meter-base surge protector to stop the surge of electricity before it enters your house and then adds additional protection with specially designed plug-in devices to add the additional protection your most sensitive electronics require. Call your local SVEC office now and receive free installation, a $30 value through July 31.

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