Keeping Safe & Alive during Thunderstorms

Many of us experienced our first thunderstorm of the season late Sunday into early Monday. Did you know lightning is the leading cause of weather-related deaths and a high cause if weather-related injuries.  And it's estimated one in four lightning strikes on humans happens to people involved in recreation, especially near the water.

So here's how you can stay on top of dangerous lightning storms.  First off, keep on top of the forecast through a weather radio or an app.  Of course the CBS58 weather app gives you weather alerts along with an updated radar.  

If a storm is approaching, make sure to get inside a home, large building, or enclosed vehicle.  If caught outside, don't stand underneath a tree, pole, power lines, or metal fences.  In open places, go to a low area, such as a ravine or valley.  If you feel your hair stand on end, lightning might be about to strike you.  The experts say to drop to your knees and bend forward, putting your hand on your knees.  Don't lie flat on the ground. Keep in mind when lightning hits, it's looking for the quickest way through the object it strikes.  The more you touch, the more lightning will travel through the body to find a way out.  

When lightning and thunder happen at the same time, you can tell how many miles the lightning is from where you are.  Just count the seconds between the sound of thunder and the sight of lightning.  Then divide that by five.  And don't forget you can still be struck by lightning even if the center of the storm is ten miles away. So, the best advice is to wait 30 minutes after the last rumble of thunder.