June 19-25 June is Safety Week against lightning. It's good timing because we approach the heaviest lightning season. Fortunately, we have had our fill of extreme weather conditions this year, but there are no guarantees. In an average year, there are 57 fatal strikes, most of which occur in June, July and August. There were 4 deaths from lightning so far this year - three of them occurring during agricultural work and one related to a search and rescue tornado. The National Weather Service keeps track of lightning deaths for the current year and for previous years dating back to 1959. Last year, there were 29 deaths, a remarkably low year. The top 5 states for lightning deaths over the last 10 years are Florida (62) Colorado (26), Texas (24), Georgia (19) and North Carolina (18).
Not everyone who is struck by lightning is killed - many survive to tell the tale. You can read some stories harowing survivors of lightning strikes - there's even a support group: Lightning Strike & Electric Shock Survivors
Your chances of being struck by lightning are about 1 in 700,000 - but experts all agree that you should take care not to. to make you a target. For a little motivation, you can visit human voltage, a page that NASA compiled to document what happens when people and lightning converge
The National Weather Service has 5 simple guidelines words: . When thunder roars, Go inside!. Here we reprint their safety tips:
"There is no safe place outside when thunderstorms are in the area If you hear thunder, you are likely to. striking distance of the storm. Remember, when thunder roars, Go inside! too many people wait too long to get to a safe place when storms are approaching. Unfortunately, these deferred share lead to many deaths and lightning injuries in the United States
the best way to protect against lightning is to avoid the threat. you just want to be taken to the outside in a storm. Having a plan of protection against lightning, and cancel or postpone activities early if thunderstorms are expected. Monitor weather conditions and get to a safe place before the weather becomes threatening. buildings important and hardtop vehicles are safe options. Shelter against rain, small sheds and open vehicles are not safe.
Inside, do not touch anything that is plugged into an electrical outlet, plumbing and corded phones. Cell phones and cordless phones are safe. Also, keep away from doors and windows and exterior are not found on a garage floor
lightning victims. If someone is struck by lightning, they may require immediate medical attention. Victims of lightning carry an electrical charge and are safe to touch. Call 911 and monitor the victim. Start CPR or use an AED if necessary. "
Additional resources
Homeland Security
External Security
Security lightning on the Job
Lightning truths and myths
0 Komentar