It is Severe Weather Awareness Week, and the National Weather Service wants everyone to be prepared for severe weather possibilities.
Each day this week will highlight a different severe weather topic, starting with lightning safety. According to the National Weather Service, lightning is hotter than the surface of the sun and can reach temperatures of around 50,000 degrees. Lightning strikes the United States about 25 million times a year. Although most lightning occurs in the summer, people can be struck at any time of year. Lightning kills about 20 people in the United States each year, and hundreds more are severely injured.
The best way for you to protect yourself from lightning is to avoid the threat. You don’t want to be caught outside in a storm. Have a lightning safety plan, and cancel or postpone activities early if thunderstorms are expected.
Monitor weather conditions and get to a safe place before the weather becomes threatening. Substantial buildings and hard-topped vehicles are safe options. Rain shelters, small sheds, and open vehicles are not safe. When inside, do not touch anything that is plugged into an electrical outlet, plumbing, and corded phones. Cell phones and cordless phones are safe. Remember when thunder roars, go indoors.
You can find more lightning safety tips at the link with this news story at KCIIRadio.com.