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For Immediate Release: June 20, 2018
Summertime is Peak Time for Thunder and Lightning Storms
National Lightning Safety Awareness Week is June 24-30
COLUMBUS, OH -- In an annual coordinated
effort with the National Weather Service (NWS), the Ohio Committee for Severe
Weather Awareness is promoting June 24-30 as National Lightning Safety
Awareness Week and encourages all Ohioans to know what to do before, during and
after thunderstorms, and to practice severe weather safety and preparedness
throughout the summer.
Although lightning strikes
can occur at any time during the year, summertime is usually peak season for
thunder and lightning storms. Since the inception of Lightning Safety Awareness
Week, lightning fatalities in the U.S. have dropped from about 50 per year to
an average of 30 or less per year. The NWS attributes this reduction to this
weather safety campaign and to a greater awareness of lightning danger, and
people seeking safe shelter when thunderstorms threaten.
According to the NWS, as of
June 8, there have been five lightning-strike fatalities in the country this year,
including a 7-year-old boy from Tennessee. In 2017, there were 16 lightning
fatalities in a total of six states, including an 82-year-old man from
Brewster, Ohio (Stark County).
There is no safe place
outside when thunderstorms are in the area. If you hear thunder, you are likely
within striking distance of the storm. Lightning safety is an inconvenience
that can save your life. So, “When
thunder roars, go indoors!” Stop outdoor activities and seek safe shelter
immediately.
The NWS and the Ohio Committee
for Severe Weather Awareness encourage Ohioans to prepare for thunder and
lightning storms – and all severe weather events.
If thunder
and lightning storms are happening in your area, you should do the following:
- Listen to current weather
reports on local TV or radio stations, or use a battery-operated NOAA Weather
Radio. Be aware of changing weather conditions. Severe thunderstorms can hail,
damaging winds and/or tornadoes.
- Avoid contact with corded
phones and devices, including those plugged into electrical outlets for
recharging. Cordless and wireless phones not connected to wall outlets are safe
to use.
- Avoid contact with
electrical equipment or cords. If you can do so safely, unplug appliances and
other electrical items such as computers, and turn off air conditioners. Power
surges from lightning can cause serious damage.
- Avoid contact with plumbing
and water. Do not wash your hands, bathe or shower. Do not wash dishes or do
laundry. Water and plumbing conduct electricity.
If you’re
caught outside:
- Take shelter in a sturdy,
substantial building. Avoid isolated sheds or small structures in open areas,
such as baseball dugouts.
- Avoid natural lightning rods
such as a tall, isolated tree in an open area. Also avoid hilltops or open
fields.
- Avoid being in or near
bodies of water such as the beach, a swimming pool, fishing, or on a boat.
- Avoid contact with anything
metal – tractors, farm equipment, motorcycles, golf carts, golf clubs, and
bicycles.
- If driving during a severe
thunderstorm, try to safely exit the roadway and park. Stay in the vehicle and
turn on the emergency hazard lights until the heavy rain stops. Avoid flooded
roadways – Turn Around Don’t Drown®. Just 12 inches of moving water can sweep
away most vehicles.
To minimize the risk of being
struck by lightning, just remember “When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!” and stay
indoors until at least 30 minutes after the last rumble of thunder or crack of
lightning.
For
additional information on lightning safety, visit the Ohio
Committee for Severe Weather Awareness,
ReadyOhio, or the NWS site at www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov.
OCSWA is comprised of 16 organizations
and state agencies that are dedicated in teaching Ohioans severe weather safety
and preparedness.
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For additional information, contact:
Kelli Blackwell, Ohio EMA, 614-799-3694 or kblackwell@dps.ohio.gov
Brandon Peloquin, NWS-Wilmington Office, 937-383-0428 or brandon.peloquin@noaa.gov
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