By: Felicia Mull
Guest writer
Thunder and lightning storms happen all the time. Did you know that lightning strikes about 25 million times a year? Lightning often strikes outside the area of heavy rain and may strike as far as 10 miles away from any rainfall! Below are a few safety tips to help you and your family stay safe when storms strike!
· If you are outside and hear thunder, you are also within striking distance of lightning. Seek shelter inside a vehicle, home, or large building.
· Do not use trees for shelter!
· Wait at least 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder before leaving your shelter.
· Once inside, stay away from windows and doors. Turn off computers, TVs, and other things that put you directly in contact with electricity or pluming. Do not wash your hands, or bathe during a storm.
· If a person is struck by lightning, call 911 immediately.