Lightning strikes the United States as many
as 20 million times each year. Because lightning traditionally
causes more deaths than tornadoes or hurricanes and occurs
when outdoor activity reaches a peak, the Electrical Safety
Foundation International (ESFI) and the Lightning Protection
Institute (LPI) are reminding consumers and those who work
outdoors of these lightning safety guidelines.
"Lack of awareness about what to do
during thunderstorms seems to be a factor in many lightning
injuries and deaths," noted Michael G. Clendenin,
executive director of ESFI.
Data from the National Weather Service
shows that lightning strikes are fatal in approximately 10
percent of strike victims. Another 70 percent of survivors
suffer serious long-term effects.
Outdoors is the most dangerous place to be
during a lightning storm. Because lightning can travel
sideways for up to 10 miles, blue skies are not a sign of
safety. If you hear thunder, take cover.
For protection in homes and buildings,
consider contracting with an experienced LPI-certified
lightning protection specialist to install a lightning
protection system, which can intercept lightning strikes and
guide the current harmlessly to the ground.
"The LPI certifies individuals through
a master installer testing program to maximize safety through
education," says Bud VanSickle, executive director of the
Lightning Protection Institute. "LPI-certified
specialists are trained in accordance with national safety
standards of LPI, the National Fire Protection Association
(NFPA) and Underwriters Laboratories (UL)."
ESFI and the Lightning Protection Institute
recommend following these guidelines to stay safe during
electrical storms:
-
If outdoors, go inside. Look for a
shelter equipped with a lightning protection system.
-
Go to a low
point. Lightning hits the tallest object. Get down if you
are in an exposed area.
-
Stay away from
trees.
-
Avoid metal. Don’t
hold metal items, including bats, golf clubs, fishing
rods, tennis rackets or tools. Avoid clotheslines, poles
and fences.
-
If you feel a
tingling sensation or your hair stands on end, lightning
may be about to strike. Crouch down and cover your ears.
-
Stay away from
water. This includes pools, lakes, puddles and anything
damp, such as wet poles or grass.
-
Don’t stand
close to other people. Spread out.
-
Once indoors,
stay away from windows and doors.
-
Do not use
corded telephones except for emergencies.
-
Unplug
electronic equipment before the storm arrives and avoid
contact with electrical equipment or cords during storms.
-
Avoid contact
with plumbing, including sinks, baths and faucets. Do not
take baths and showers during electrical storms.
-
Don’t forget
pets during thunderstorms. Doghouses are not
lightning-safe. Dogs that are chained can easily fall
victim to a lightning strike.
Victims of lightning strikes should be
given CPR if necessary, and seek medical attention.
LPI recommends contacting local lightning
protection specialists for more information; or visit their
website at www.lightning.org. For more information on
electrical safety, visit ESFI’s website at www.electrical-safety.org.
For additional electrical safety
information, visit the Foundation’s web site at www.electrical-safety.org or call 703-841-3229.
Kim Graziano is communications
consultant for LPI Marketing.
Michael G. Clendenin is executive
director of Electrical Safety Foundation International.
|
