Lightning

6/13/2017 (Permalink)

Staying safe during a thunder storm!

Lightning is one of the leading causes of weather-related fatalities. Though the odds of being struck by lightning in a given year are only around 1 in 500,000, some factors can put you at greater risk for being struck. 

What cases lighting- Heavier, negatively charged particles sink to the bottom of the cloud. When the positive and negative charges grow large enough, a giant spark - lightning - occurs between the two charges within the cloud. This is like a static electricity sparks you see, but much bigger.

What to do after lighting strikes-

• Never drive through a flooded roadway. 
• Stay away from storm-damaged areas to keep from putting yourself at risk from the effects of severe thunderstorms.
• Continue to listen to a Weather Radio or to  television stations for updated information or instructions, as access to roads or some parts of the community may be blocked.
• Help anyone who needs help, check on your neighbors.
• Stay away from downed power lines and report them immediately.
• Watch your animals closely. Keep them under your direct control.
• Make sure you have your Emergency kit near by.