Lightning is Silent Until it Strikes

7/20/2022 (Permalink)

The odds of being stuck by lightning are less than 1 in a million. This doesn’t mean it couldn’t happen to you. Many people believe that you have to be out in a storm to be in danger, but in reality, the storm can be 10-15 miles away depending on who you ask. Some reports say lightning can strike 30 miles away, some say 50. Basically, if you can hear the thunder, you are close enough to be in danger of lightning striking you.

If you are caught in an open area, quickly find shelter. Crouching or getting low to the ground can reduce your chances of being struck but does not mean you are out of danger.

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

Immediately get off elevated areas such as hills, mountain ridges, or peaks. 

Never shelter under an isolated tree.

Immediately get out of and away from ponds, lakes, and other bodies of water. o

 If you are in a group during a thunderstorm, separate from each other. This will reduce the number of injuries if lightning strikes the ground.

If you are out in the open water and a storm rolls in, return to shore immediately.

Avoid open structures such as porches, gazebos, baseball dugouts, and sports arenas. These structures won’t protect you from lightning.

Seek shelter immediately.

Indoor Safety

Being indoors does not automatically protect you from lightning. Research shows that 1/3 of all  lightning-strike injuries occur indoors.

Here are some tips to keep safe and reduce your risk of being struck by lightning while indoors. 

Avoid contact with water during a thunderstorm. Do NOT , shower, wash dishes, or have any other contact with water during a thunderstorm. Lightning can travel through plumbing.

 Stay off of your TV,   computers, laptops and game systems

Lightning can travel through electrical systems and radio and television reception systems. 

If  you still have a landline, stay off of it!  I remember by Mom telling us to "get off the phone, get away from the window, get out of the shower" as she was trying to herd 6 kids away from windows. 

Do NOT lie on concrete floors or lean on concrete walls during a thunderstorm. Lightning can travel through any metal wires or bars in concrete walls - Had never even heard of this before.   A little research can do wonders.   SERVPRO of White Plains wishes you a happy and safe summer!