Lightning causes around 100 deaths in the U.S annually,
more than hurricanes and tornadoes combined. When a thunderstorm
threatens:
IF INDOORS:
- Don't use
the telephone except for emergencies. Avoid using
other electrical appliances.
- Do not take
a bath or shower.
- Avoid contact
with all metal surfaces.
IF CAUGHT
OUTDOORS:
- Get inside
a sturdy building. A hard-top automobile with the
windows up also offers fair protection.
- If you are
boating or swimming, get out of the water immediately
and move to a safe shelter away from the water.
- Don't stand
underneath a natural lightning rod, such as a tall
isolated tree, a telephone pole, or a large radio
antenna. In a wooded area, seek shelter in a low area
under a thick growth of relatively small trees. In
open areas, go to a low place such as a ravine or
valley.
- Get off or
away from tractors, metal farm equipment or small
metal vehicles such as motorcycles, bicycles and golf
carts. Stay away from wire fences, clotheslines, metal
pipes and rails. Put golf clubs down.
- If you feel
your hair standing on end or tingling, squat on the
balls of your feet with your head between your knees.
Do not lie flat.
Sources: The Austin Office of Emergency Managment
and the Norman
National Weather Service Forecast Office
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