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Before
Lightning Strikes... |
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Keep
an eye on the sky. Look for darkening skies, flashes of
light, or increasing wind. Listen for the sound of
thunder.
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If
you can hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to
be struck by lightning. Go to safe shelter immediately.
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Listen
to NOAA
Weather
Radio, commercial radio, or television for the latest
weather forecasts.
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When a Storm Approaches... |
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- Find
shelter in a building or car. Keep car windows closed and
avoid convertibles.
- Telephone
lines and metal pipes can conduct electricity. Unplug
appliances. Avoid using the telephone or any electrical
appliances. (Leaving electric lights on, however, does not
increase the chances of your home being struck by
lightning.)
- Avoid
taking a bath or shower, or running water for any other
purpose.
- Turn off
the air conditioner. Power surges from lightning can
overload the compressor, resulting in a costly repair job!
- Draw blinds
and shades over windows. If windows break due to objects
blown by the wind, the shades will prevent glass from
shattering into your home.
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If Caught Outside... |
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- If you are
in the woods, take shelter under the shorter trees.
- If you are
boating or swimming, get to land and find shelter
immediately!
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Protecting Yourself Outside...
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- Go to a
low-lying, open place away from trees, poles, or metal
objects. Make sure the place you pick is not subject to
flooding.
- Be a very
small target! Squat low to the ground. Place your hands on
your knees with your head between them. Make yourself the
smallest target possible.
- Do not lie
flat on the ground--this will make you a larger target!
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After the Storm Passes... |
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- Stay away
from storm-damaged areas.
- Listen to
the radio for information and instructions.
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If Someone is Struck by Lightning... |
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- People
struck by lightning carry no electrical charge and can be
handled safely.
- Call for
help. Get someone to dial 9-1-1 or your local Emergency
Medical Services (EMS) number.
- The injured
person has received an electrical shock and may be burned,
both where they were struck and where the electricity left
their body. Check for burns in both places. Being struck
by lightning can also cause nervous system damage, broken
bones, and loss of hearing or eyesight.
- Give first
aid. If breathing has stopped, begin rescue breathing. If
the heart has stopped beating, a trained person should
give CPR. If the person has a pulse and is breathing, look
and care for other possible injuries. Learn first aid and
CPR by taking a Red Cross first aid and CPR course. Call
your local
Red Cross chapter
for class schedules and fees.
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