Summer Safety & The Weather

One of the great dangers of the summer weather season is lightening. I have spoken about it in the past but want to share a piece from the 1987 Farmers’ Almanac. After attending the Weather Spotter training, I realize that lightening can travel 10 miles from it’s origins and strike a victim. It is possible that you might not even be aware of a storm but still feel the outcome. It is always wise to pay attention to the NWS call for storms in your region.

When you are outdoors:

• Seek shelter in a building, preferably a metal frame one, or one with lightning rods. If neither of these is nearby, pick the largest structure you can find.
• Stay away from isolated trees. It is better to lie in a ditch or to crouch in a hollow in the open than to stand under a tall tree. A cave or base of a cliff also offers some protection.
• Stay away from wire fences, overhead telephone and electrical wires, isolated sheds and hilltops.
• Stay out of the water and small boats. Do not ride a bicycle, a horse, or drive a plow or tractor.
• Stay in your automobile if you are driving (a car’s tires insulate it). Do not stop under a tree or on the top of a hill.
• Do not use metal items, such as golf clubs, fishing rods or garden tools.

When you are indoors:

• Stay away from open doors and windows, fireplaces, radio and television sets, lamps and other electrical equipment, telephone, radiators, water pipes and stoves.
• Do not take showers or baths. Do not wash dishes.
• Stay in the basement or lowest floor of your house.