Emergency ABC - Five Things to Do to Protect Yourself during a Lightning Storm

Five Things to Do to Protect Yourself during a Lightning Storm

The thunder crashes and the lightning strikes: a lightning storm can be a wondrous sight to behold. In fact, many people go outside to witness the spectacle, not knowing the danger they are in. But statistics tell us that lightning storms are not merely a pretty sight. Nearly 100 people in the United States are killed by lightning storms every year. At least another 300 are injured. Though it may seem like common sense to you, it bears repeating that you should take specific precautions during a lightning storm to avoid becoming part of these statistics. Even if you think you are not in danger physically, lightning damage to your home and electrical devices can be significant. Here are five things everyone should know about staying safe in the midst of a lightning storm, and protecting your expensive electrical devices.

1. Find shelter

from the storm. Sounds obvious, but the best thing you can do to stay safe in a lightning storm is to find shelter inside a house or other sound structure. Close all of your windows and doors.

If you find yourself caught outside during the course of lightning storm, try to find another safe building, porch, or awning. If you are not near any physical structures, try to wait the storm out inside a car or van with a hard top. If you are unable to find any sort of covering, by all means stay away from trees or metal structures. This means fences, aluminum bleaches, goalposts, light posts, metal garbage cans, or any other metallic surface. Even if you don't get struck by lightning, it's still dangerous to be near any type of metallic surface because if lightning should hit it, the charge will quickly move through the metal and may potentially shock you.

A note of warning: if you are caught outside during a lightning storm, and you notice the hairs on your arm stand on their end, take this as a sign that lightning is about to strike. Sit on the ground with your hands on your knees until signs of danger have passed.

2. Avoid using electrical devices. When a lightning storm rages outside, it's a good idea to avoid using electrical devices inside. This means you should avoid using the telephone during a lightning storm. Also, it's advisable that you turn off the television, turn off your computer, and any other electrical device. Although very rare, it's possible that the electrical surges caused by the lightning storm can travel through your telephone line or electrical wiring.

It's a good idea to unplug your electrical devices while they are not in use. This will prevent any potential damage that an electrical surge can produce.

3. Avoid water. Electrocution through water is more common than most people think. If you notice a particularly strong lightning storm raging outside, it's best to avoid using water. Don't wash your hands, do the dishes, take a shower or bath during a strong lightning storm.

4. Always use a surge protector. Surge protectors are safety plugs designed to automatically shut down electrical devices in case that lightning should strike. Surge protectors are highly recommended for all computers and electrical appliances. Using a surge protector will not only help prevent that damage is done to your expensive electrical devices, but will also prevent fire in case lightning strikes.

On the subject of surge protectors, make certain the surge protector you purchase specifically addresses the issue of lightning damage. Surge protectors are not necessarily the same thing as power outlet strips. Many people purchase power outlet strips, assuming they will protect against lightning damage and power outages, but this is not so. Good surge protectors will be made of metal oxide varistors (MOVs), which will protect your computer if high voltage should strike through it.

5. Outfit your home with lightning suppressors. If you live in an area that experiences its share of lightning storms, consider buying lightning suppressors for your home. Lightning suppressors are devices that you connect to your telephone line, television and cable antennas, and other parts of your electrical system. These suppressors are designed to repel electricity, and minimize any damage that may be caused by lightning.

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