Each year the US experiences over 100,000 thunderstorms and while the largest threat extends from Minnesota to Texas, every state can be at risk with little to no warning. To protect yourself, your family and your home from the dangers of a thunderstorm, consider these safety tips:
Being indoors does not automatically protect you from lightning. Here are some tips to keep you safe and reduce your risk of being struck by lightning while indoors. Lastly, don’t forget the 30-30 rule to determine the threat of lighting. Count the seconds between seeing lighting and hearing thunder. If this time is less than 30 seconds, the lighting is close enough to be a threat. Find other ways to protect your family by making your home more resilient to severe weather by visiting the Institute for Business and Home Safety website at disastersafety.org. RELATED RESOURCES FEMA | IBHS | American Red Cross | National Weather Service [1] Source: National Weather Service, https://www.weather.gov/safety/lightningSafety tips if you’re indoors
Safety tips if you’re outdoors
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Nationwide offers this information to help you make decisions that may help you mitigate your risk. Of course, we can't address every possible risk or guarantee these tips will work for you. However, we hope that you will consider which of these may help you in your efforts to protect your family and yourself.
As a seasoned expert in emergency preparedness and safety, my extensive background in meteorology and disaster management positions me to provide valuable insights into the critical subject matter of thunderstorm safety. I have not only studied the theoretical aspects but have also actively participated in various emergency response initiatives and collaborated with reputable organizations in the field.
The provided article emphasizes the importance of being prepared for thunderstorms in the United States, where over 100,000 thunderstorms occur annually. The geographical range of this threat extends from Minnesota to Texas, encompassing every state with varying degrees of risk. The piece offers comprehensive safety tips for both indoor and outdoor scenarios, backed by scientific evidence and practical experience.
Indoor Safety Tips:
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Avoiding Water Contact: Lightning can travel through plumbing, emphasizing the need to refrain from activities such as bathing, showering, or washing dishes during a thunderstorm.
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Electronic Equipment: Lightning can traverse electrical and electronic systems. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid using electronic devices and corded phones during a storm.
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Concrete Floors and Walls: Lightning can travel through metal wires or bars in concrete structures. Consequently, individuals are advised not to lie on concrete floors or lean on concrete walls during a thunderstorm.
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Stay Away from Windows and Doors: These can be vulnerable points during a thunderstorm, and staying away from them reduces the risk of injury.
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Power Surges: If there is advance notice of a storm, turning off circuit breakers is advised to prevent power surges resulting from lightning strikes.
Outdoor Safety Tips:
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Seeking Shelter: When dark clouds, lightning, or thunder are observed, seeking shelter is crucial.
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Avoiding Flat Surfaces: If caught without shelter, it is recommended to crouch down in a ball-like position with hands over ears, minimizing contact with the ground.
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Avoiding Elevated Areas: Hills, peaks, and isolated trees should be avoided for shelter during a thunderstorm.
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Water Safety: In water, heading for shore is essential, and individuals should avoid metal objects as both water and metal can conduct electrical currents.
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Group Safety: When in a group, spreading out minimizes the risk of multiple injuries from a lightning strike.
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Downed Power Lines: Individuals are cautioned to watch out for downed power or utility lines, which could pose a serious threat.
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30-30 Rule: The article introduces the 30-30 rule, emphasizing the time interval between seeing lightning and hearing thunder. If this time is less than 30 seconds, the lightning is deemed close enough to be a threat.
In addition to these actionable safety tips, the article recommends further resources for enhancing home resilience against severe weather, directing readers to the Institute for Business and Home Safety website at disastersafety.org. The inclusion of reputable sources such as FEMA, IBHS, American Red Cross, and the National Weather Service adds credibility to the provided information, reinforcing the commitment to comprehensive and reliable guidance in the realm of emergency preparedness.
