Lightning Safety Awareness Week: When lightning roars, go indoors

CLEVELAND -- June 21st through June 27th is Lightning Safety Awarness Week.

Many lightning deaths and injuries occur during the summer months and during the afternoon hours when both lightning and outdoor activities reach a peak.

Being outdoors when thunderstorms are nearby involves risk, and certain locations are worse than others.

Lightning death statistics:

• 48 percent occurred in open fields, ball parks, playgrounds, etc.
• 23 percent occurred under trees
• 12 percent involved water-related activities
• 7 percent were driving farm or other heavy equipment
• 6 percent happened on the golf course

While no one can completely eliminate the risk of being struck by lightning, you can greatly reduce your risk of becoming a lightning casualty.

• Plan ahead. If thunderstorms are forecast, consider canceling or postponing outdoor activities so that you avoid a potentially dangerous situation.
• Monitor the weather conditions. Watch the sky for any signs of an approaching storm, particularly if you need a long time to get to a safe place.
• If the sky looks threatening, seek safety inside. If a building isn't nearby, seek safety in a hard-topped metal vehicle for at least 30 minute after the last bolt of lightning.
• If caught outdoors, you should avoid: 1) objects like tall trees and poles, 2) anything that conducts electricity, 3) full body contact with the ground (makes yourself as small a target as possible).

For additional information about lightning or lightning safety, you can visit the National Oceanic andn Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) lightning safety awareness website:

www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov

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Our special thanks to Gary Garnet and the team at the National Weather Service office in Cleveland for this information.