Stay grounded about lightning safety

Lightning may be one of the most beautiful phenomena that nature puts on display, but it is also one of the most dangerous. Summer is peak lightning season, and just recently, the stormy skies of Aroostook County have displayed marvelous light shows. However, over the past six weeks, the American Red Cross-Pine Tree Chapter responded to several family house fires started by lightening!
    Larry French, co-leader of Aroostook County Red Cross Disaster Volunteers, states, “According to the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), lightning is the second most frequent weather-related killer in the United States causing an average of nearly 100 deaths and 500 injuries each year. But because lightning affects only one or a few people at a time and does not cause widespread destruction, many underestimate the severe risks it poses.” He stresses, “In order to lower lightning death and injury rates, it’s important to dispel many common myths about lightning.”
Lightning is the most common weather hazard many people experience each year, yet myths about lightning abound. Don’t be fooled by familiar folklore about lightning – learn exactly what you can do when storms develop and lightning strikes.
Know the Facts!
Myth: Go under a tree or other tall object to wait out a storm and stay dry.
The National Weather Service reports that taking cover under trees is the second leading cause of lightning casualties. While no place is absolutely safe from lightning, some are much safer than others. The best place to be during a thunderstorm is in a large, enclosed building. Avoid partially enclosed structures such as carports, picnic shelters and sheds.
Once inside, unplug all unnecessary appliances and avoid using the telephone and other electrical devices, since electricity from a lightning strike can travel through electrical wiring. Avoid taking a bath or shower during a thunderstorm, as well.
Myth: If it’s not raining and clouds aren’t directly overhead, you are safe from lightning.
Just because you are far away from the rain or the thunderstorm cloud, you can still be affected. Lightning can (and often does) strike up to 10 miles from a thunderstorm. Although rare, lightning can travel horizontally for many miles and strike the ground far away from the storm cloud. These bolts seem to come out of a clear blue sky and are thus called “bolts from the blue.”
The best general rule to follow to avoid lightning strikes is to practice the 30/30 lightning safety rule. If, after seeing lightning, you can’t count to 30 before hearing the thunder, go indoors. Stay indoors for 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder.
Myth: If you touch a person who has been struck by lightning, you will be electrocuted, as well.
The human body does not store electricity, so it is perfectly safe to touch someone who has been struck by lightning. You cannot be electrocuted when administering first aid or CPR to a lightning-strike victim.
The Aroostook County Branch of the American Red Cross offers CPR and First Aid courses that will provide you with the confidence and skills to respond in an emergency situation and maybe even save a life. Courses are designed for individuals in a classroom or can be taught in the workplace. For more information about upcoming classes, please call 762-5671 or e-mail Judi Greenier, Health & Safety coordinator at greenierj@pinetree.redcross.org.
Myth: If you are trapped outside during a thunderstorm, lie flat on the ground.
Laying flat on the ground actually increases your chances of being struck by lightning because the electrical current can run along the ground. If you get stuck outside during a thunderstorm and cannot reach a safe shelter, get as low as you can and touch the ground as little as possible. Keeping your feet together, squat low, tuck your head and cover your ears.
If you absolutely cannot get to a safe building or vehicle, follow these tips as a last resort:
• Do not seek shelter under partially enclosed buildings.
• Should a thunderstorm plague your campsite, set up camp in a lower area and stay away from tall, isolated trees.
• Wet ropes are excellent conductors of electricity. When mountain or rock climbing, be sure to remove any unnecessary ropes that may be attached to you.
• Stay away from metal objects such as fences and poles. Metal is a conductor, and the current from a lightning flash can travel across metal for long distances.
• Stay at least 15 feet away from other people so the current won’t travel from person to person should lightning strike.
In addition to following these tips, be aware of the local weather forecast before heading out for extended periods of time and use common sense to ensure your safety and the safety of your loved ones. Remember:  “When thunder roars, stay indoors!”
The Aroostook County Branch of the American Red Cross-Pine Tree Chapter helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. Out of every dollar the Red Cross spends, 92 cents is invested in disaster preparedness and response. The Red Cross is not a government agency; it relies on the generous monetary contributions of community members, businesses, civic organization, and towns along with the dedication of volunteer time to do its work. For more information about becoming a Red Cross volunteer, please call 762-5671 or e-mail knorrj@pinetree.redcross.org.