Summer Storms? Lightning Safety Tips

Summer Storms? Lightning Safety Tips

6/15/2022 (Permalink)

Lightning kills around 20 people in the United States each year. These lightning safety tips can keep you and your family safe.

Lightning: What You Need to Know

NO PLACE outside is safe when thunderstorms are in the area!!
If you hear thunder, lightning is close enough to strike you.
When you hear thunder, immediately move to safe shelter: a substantial building with electricity or plumbing or an enclosed, metal-topped vehicle with windows up.
Stay in safe shelter at least 30 minutes after you hear the last sound of thunder.

Indoor Lightning Safety

Stay off corded phones, computers and other electrical equipment that put you in direct contact with electricity.
Avoid plumbing, including sinks, baths and faucets.
Stay away from windows and doors, and stay off porches.
Do not lie on concrete floors, and do not lean against concrete walls.

Last Resort Outdoor Risk Reduction Tips

If you are caught outside with no safe shelter anywhere nearby the following actions may reduce your risk:

Immediately get off elevated areas such as hills, mountain ridges or peaks
Never lie flat on the ground
Never shelter under an isolated tree
Never use a cliff or rocky overhang for shelter
Immediately get out and away from ponds, lakes and other bodies of water
Stay away from objects that conduct electricity (barbed wire fences, power lines, windmills, etc.)

SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge & SERVPRO of Woodbridge/Lorton are always here to help with all of your storm needs 24/7!!

703-583-8484

SOURCE: weather.gov/safety/lightning