Risks of Lightning

6/11/2019 (Permalink)

Thunderstorm

A lightning bolt is the width of a thumb and hotter than the sun. The temperature of lightning reaches five times hotter than the surface of the sun.

SERVPRO® of Edgewater/ Deale/ Churchton/ Lothian wants you to be safe this Summer when you’re outside in a Summer storm. Although most lightning occurs in the Summer, people can be struck any time of the year. Even though there may be a small chance of you or a loved one getting struck by lightning, it is important to know the factors of being struck.

Remember these tips:

• Be aware. Check the forecast before participating in outdoor activities.
• Go indoors. Remember the phrase, “When thunder roars, go indoors.” Find a safe, enclosed shelter when you hear thunder. Safe shelters include homes, offices, shopping centers, and hard-top vehicles with the windows rolled up.
• Avoid Windows, doors, porches, and concrete. Do not lie on concrete floors and avoid leaning on concrete walls. Lightning can travel through any metal wires or bars in concrete walls or flooring.
• Avoid Water. Do not bathe, shower, wash dishes, or have any other contact with water during a thunderstorm because lightning can travel through a building’s plumbing.

National Weather Service (NWS) advises you to follow these steps if a loved one is struck:

• Call for help. Call 9-1-1.
• Give first aid. Begin CPR if you are trained.
• Use an Automatic External Defibrillator if one is available. These units are lifesavers!
• If possible, move the victim to a safer place. Lightning can strike twice and you don’t want to put yourself or the victim at risk.

For the latest storm forecasts, click here to visit the NWS website. SERVPRO® of Edgewater/ Deale/ Churchton/ Lothian wishes you a safe Summer.