Keep lightning safety tips in mind throughout storm season
By Riley Funk
As outdoor activities ramp up amid the warm weather, so do spring storms, meaning people need to consider lightning risks when enjoying time outside.
According to the National Weather Service, there are around 25 million cloud-to-ground lightning flashes in the United States each year. In addition, roughly 300 people are struck and 30 people die each year due to lightning.
Frank Till, executive director of the St. Joseph Safety and Health Council, said residents are often interested in storms and lightning strikes, but they need to be cautious.
“I think a lot of times people see a thunderstorm and there’s a beauty to it, and they think it’s okay, it’s not a big deal, but really, they’re a lot more dangerous than what we think there are,” Till said.
The key, Till said, is staying indoors, even though being inside doesn’t always guarantee safety. The National Weather Service said lightning can enter a structure such as a home through a direct strike, wires, pipes and the ground.
“A house offers the greatest protection, but you still need to stay away from corded electronic devices such as corded phones, computers, radios. You need to stay out of bathtubs, showers and away from sinks,” Till said.
Till recommends staying inside for 30 minutes after the last rumble of thunder.
Area resident Sarah Nichols said that as a lifelong Midwest, her response when lightning flashes is simple.
“It’s just basically going inside and staying in from outside where the lightning is and making sure that you’re safe inside. It’s not worth you getting struck by lightning,” Nichols said.
The National Weather Service says that fully-enclosed buildings are the safest spots, but a hard-topped metal vehicle with the windows closed is also a safe place. Sheds, picnic shelters or covered porches are not safe to avoid lightning.
The agency also reminds people to protect their pets during storms. Dog houses aren’t safe shelters, and dogs tied up with chains or metal leads are at risk.
