Missouri- As you all know, March 4th through March 8th, 2024, is severe weather preparedness week. On Tuesday, March 5th, the National Weather Service is touching on lightning safety. Monday was a touch on having a plan for all severe weather and what to do in most potential situations.
Lightning strikes about 25 million times in one year, and kills about 20 people each year in just the United States alone. Hundreds more people are severely injured from lightning storms. The National Weather Service is trying to bring attention to the dangerous lightning storms and get you ready if you are ever caught in one. If you go onto the website page https://www.weather.gov/safety/lightning, you can learn detailed information about what could happen and what to do when a lightning strike occurs, how to prevent injuries, and how to stay safe if you are without shelter.
To summarize, if you are stuck outside avoid open areas, stay away from tall isolated items, stay away from metal conductors (like wires or fences), and if you are with a group of people spread out. Spreading out will prevent multiple or group casualties. If someone is struck by lightning, call for help (9-1-1), begin CPR if you are trained, and if possible move the victim to a safer place because lightning can strike twice. Wait indoors at least 30 minutes after you hear the last thunder and finally, while a thunderstorm is occurring stay out of contact with all electrical equipment, plumbing, outside doors, and window frames. These are all electrical conductors; you can get struck by lightning while in contact with them, even indoors.
For more information on the severe weather awareness week go to, https://www.weather.gov/eax/SevereWeatherPreparednessWeek#:~:text=Join%20the%20NWS%20and%20Missouri,to%20promote%20severe%20weather%20preparedness, or contact the National Weather Service at 417-869-4491.
