How to avoid a shocking experience

Lightning kills 80 people each year, and injures 300 more, across the United States. Five men attending an athletic event in Nassau County were recently struck. A lightning strike can cause a person's heart to stop beating, as well as burns to the skin, broken bones, damage to the nervous system and muscles, and loss of hearing and eyesight. To minimize the chance of being struck, observe these safety tips: If you hear thunder less than 30 seconds after you see lightning, go indoors and stay there for 30 minutes after hearing the last thunder clap. All thunderstorms produce lightning, which is very unpredictable and can strike even when there is no rain. Lightning is attracted to tall objects like trees and telephone polls as well as to metal and water. If you see flashes of light and hear thunder nearby, immediately find shelter in an enclosed building or hard-topped car, not a convertible. Avoid gazebos and open shelters such as a bus shelter or baseball dugout. If in a car, keep the windows closed. Avoid using a corded telephone or electrical appliances. Avoid taking a bath or shower since lightning is attracted to water as well as metal and tall objects. If boating or swimming, immediately return to land and seek shelter. If you cannot find shelter, go to a low-lying, open place away from trees, poles or metal objects. Make yourself small by squatting down with your feet together, head on your knees and hands over your ears. Do NOT lie flat on the ground! If someone is hit by lightning, immediately call Hatzalah or 911 for help. Individuals hit by lightning are not dangerous to touch; they do NOT carry an electrical charge. If the person is not breathing or does not have a heartbeat, start CPR and administer first aid until help arrives. For more information go to www.redcross.org/services/disaster <http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster> or www.fema.gov/hazard/thunderstorm/index <http://www.fema.gov/hazard/thunderstorm/index> . Source: American Red Cross and FEMA

Reply

Forward