Community Corner

Thunderstorms and Lightning in the Forecast: Heed the One, Fear the Other

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) launches "when thunder roars, go indoors" public safety campaign in time for Lightning Awareness Safety Week — and the thunderstorms forecasted for Tampa Bay this week.

With thunderstorms in the forecast for the Tampa Bay area today through June 30, it pays to remember that it’s good to fear the lightning, but too often the thunder goes unheeded.

That’s a mindset the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration wants to change.

With its new lighting safety awareness campaign, the NOAA hopes to save lives as it promotes the group’s annual Lightning Safety Awareness Week, held June 19-25, to coincide with the official start of summer.

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Indeed, a release promoting the new initiative came out on the first day of summer, June 20, and it implores the public, also with video instruction: “When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors.”

“People understand the danger with lightning, but thunder needs to be recognized as the early warning for lighthning,” said Donna Franklin, noting that too many people “still take risks that aren’t worth losing their life over.”

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In a Brandon Patch article posted for Florida Severe Weather Awareness Week, sponsored by both the Florida Division of Emergency Management and the American Red Cross, the “30/30 rule” was noted for the Jan. 31 focus on lightning. “If you can hear thunder you are close enough to get struck by lightning. Remember the 30/30 rule. Go inside if you hear the thunder within 30 seconds of a falsh of lightning. Wait at least 30 minutes after you hear the last sounds of thunder before going back outside."

In a release announcing the NOAA public safety campaign, Franklin added: “Nearly 85 percent of lightning victims are male, and this has been true since we began keeping records in 1959, so it’s especially important that we teach young men to make wise decisions during thunderstorms.”

According to the NOAA, hundreds of people annually are struck by lightning, “causing countless debilitating injuries and 55 deaths on average.”

The NOAA offers a primer on lightning that gives information about what lightning is, its many types and what causes it to strike.

To avoid being struck by lightning, the NOAA offers the following recommendations:

Take shelter inside a fully enclosed building or hardtop vehicle at the first sounds of thunder.

  • Stay indoors for at least 30 minutes after you hear the last clap of thunder.
  • Planning to be outdoors? Monitor the weather.
  • Make a plan for getting to safety should thunder roar.
  • Corded telephones should not be used during a thunderstorm, except in the case of emergency. Unplugged cell phones are safe to use indoors.
  • Keep away from plumbing, electrical equipment and wiring during a thunderstorm.

Additional tips, posted online at Nationwide Insurance, includes suggestions as well for keeping electrical equipment safe.

  • Remove dead or rotting trees that could fall on your house if it is struck by lightning
  • Know the weather before beginning any trip or adventure and plan accordingly
  • Put your whole house on a surge-protection system
  • Unplug any appliances or electronic equipment before a thunderstorm threatens

If you're inside when a storm hits:

  • Seek shelter when you first see dark clouds or lightning or hear thunder.
  • Avoid contact with corded phones, electrical equipment and plumbing. Don't wash your hands, take a shower, wash dishes or do laundry.
  • Stay away from windows and doors.
  • Don't use your cell phone during a thunderstorm.

If you're outdoors:

  • Get inside a completely enclosed building immediately if one is accessible. Don't go into a carport, open garage or covered patio.
  • If you can't find a completely enclosed building, get inside a hardtop, all-metal vehicle. Avoid leaning against vehicles. Get off bicycles and motorcycles.
  • If no shelter is available, squat low to the ground. Place your hands on your knees with your head between them. Make yourself the smallest target possible.
  • Get out of water and avoid metal. They both can carry an electrical current.
  • If you're in a group of people, spread out.
  • Take care of your pets. Doghouses aren't lightning-safe, and lightning can strike dogs tied to trees or other tall objects.
  • If you're boating or swimming, get to shore right away.

 


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