West Orange, N.J. – Summer is peak season for one of the most dangerous weather phenomena– lightening. However, don’t be fooled. Lightening strikes occur year round. Each year in the United States, more than 400 people are struck by lightening. Most of these tragedies can be avoided with a few simple precautions.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) collects information on weather-related injuries to learn how to prevent these incidents. Some victims simply waited too long to seek shelter. By heading to a safe place 5 to 10 minutes sooner, they could have avoided being struck by lightening. Some people are struck because they go back outside too soon. Stay inside a safe building or vehicle for at least 30 minutes after you hear the last thunder clap.
The Barnabas Health Office of Emergency Management offers the following information and tips to keep you and your family safe during a thunderstorm.
What you might not know about thunder and lightening:
- All thunderstorms produce lightening and are dangerous. On average lightening kills as many people as tornadoes and more people than hurricanes,
- Lightening strikes can occur up to 10 miles outside of heavy rainfall. Many lightening deaths occur just before or soon after storms have seemingly passed.
- Don’t be fooled by blue skies. If you hear thunder, lightening is close enough to pose an immediate threat.
Avoid the threat of lightening:
- Have a lightening safety plan. Know where you’ll go for safety and how much time it will take to get there. Make sure your plan allows enough time to reach safety.
- Postpone activities. Before going outdoors check the forecast for thunderstorms. Consider postponing activities to avoid being caught in a dangerous situation.
- Monitor the weather. Look for signs of a developing thunderstorm such as darkening skies, flashes of light or increasing winds.
- Get to a safe place. If you hear thunder, even a distant rumble, immediately move to a safe place. Sheds, picnic shelters, tents or covered porches do NOT protect you from lightening.
What you should know about being caught outside near a thunderstorm:
There is no safe place outside in a thunderstorm. Plan ahead to avoid this dangerous situation! If you’re outside and hear thunder, the only way to significantly reduce your risk of becoming a lightening casualty is to get inside a substantial building or hard-topped vehicle as fast as you can. In addition, take the following precautions, to further reduce your risk of becoming a lightening casualty.
- Avoid open areas.
- Stay away from isolated tall trees, towers or utility poles.
- Stay away from metal conductors such as wires or fences. Metal does not attract lightening, but lightening can travel long distances through it.
Act fast if someone is struck by lightening:
- Lightening victims do not carry an electrical charge, are safe to touch and need urgent medical attention.
- Call for help. Call 9-1-1 to report a person struck by lightening.
- Give first aid. Do not delay CPR if the person is unresponsive and not breathing. Use an Automatic External Defibrillator if one is available.
- If possible, move the victim to a safe place. Lightening can strike twice. Don’t become a victim.
Stay informed about storms”
There are an estimated 25 million cloud-to-ground lightening strikes in the U.S. each year. While watches and warnings are issued for severe thunderstorms, watches and warning are NOT issued for lightening. When you hear thunder, there is an immediate lightening danger.
For more information visit:
NWS lightening links, forecasts, assessments,
NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards,
American Red Cross,
American Heart Association, Federal Emergency Management Agency
Date: July 8, 2011
Contact: Samantha Anton
Assistant Director, Public Relations and Marketing
Saint Barnabas Medical Center
94 Old Short Hills Road
Livingston, NJ 07039
(973) 322-5425
santon@barnabashealth.org
