Did you know lightning is a greater danger then floods, tornadoes or hurricanes? So, if you are caught outside in a thunderstorm, try to take shelter in a building or a vehicle until the danger passes. If you cannot find shelter, stay away from any tall objects-flagpoles, tress, towers or metal fences. Golf clubs and fishing rods are prime conductors.And if you are home, stay away from windows, fireplaces, plumbing and electrical appliances that are plugged in. Avoid using the telephone until the storm passes.
Professionals say that if a lightning strike is impending, the victim may get a hair-raising tingling sensation. If this happens, it it vital to drop to the knees, staying as low as possible to avoid becoming a target. Do not lie flat.
Any lightning stories you can offer? Any other tips you want to share? Comment here.
4 comments:
hmmm - striking!
I'm a storm chaser and have seen a lot of lighting strikes. Once I was standing on top of a hill watching a storm approaching, enjoying the lightening show. Then the hair stood up on the back of my neck, so I got back in my vehicle and moved to a safe location. Less then 2 minutes later, lighting struck a utilty pole that was only 25 yards from where I had been standing.
We were sitting in our car, waiting out a torrential rainstorm that was so heavy we could not see to drive, when lightning struck the telephone pole next to our car. The flash was so bright and the sound so loud that I thought we had been struck by an atomic bomb. Almost immediately, we became aware that the pole had burst into flames. Needless, to say, we shakily started up and car and moved it away ASAP.
My friend lives on the ground floor in a 2-story apartment building with underground utilities. Recently, lightning struck, causing the power to go out, circuit breakers to trip, light bulbs to burn out and irreparably damaging his electric stove, phones, computer and DSL modem, even though the latter two were on power surge protector strips.
Years ago, during a storm we watched as lightning struck an electrical pole and destroyed the transformer on top. The current traveled through the line and grounded at our well.
The well pump was replaced, but the water was blackened by a crack in the casing. Fortunately, we had our water tested recently and had replacement insurance. The cost of drilling a new well (over 500') was $8000.
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