The following information was provided by White County Public Safety Public Information Officer Bryce Barrett:Georgia’s Severe Weather Preparedness Day 4: Lightning Safety
Lightning is one of the leading causes of weather related deaths, most occurring in the summer months. A single lightning bolt can be as hot as 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit – hotter than the surface of the sun. This rapid heating and cooling of the air creates a shock wave which we hear as thunder. Lightning will usually strike the highest object in an area. This includes trees, antennas, a boat on a lake, or a person standing in a field.
Check out the following video by the National Weather Service on Lightning: How can you protect yourself?
- When thunder roars, go indoors! If you can hear thunder, you are already at risk.
- If you are outside, get inside a building or vehicle. Stay indoors until 30 minutes after you hear the last clap of thunder.
- Enclosed vehicles are generally safe, if you avoid contact with metal surfaces.
- If you are in a forest, seek shelter in a low area under a thick growth of small trees.
- If you are outside, and feel your hair stand on end, this indicates lightning is about to strike. Drop to your knees and roll forward to the balls of your feet. Place your hands on your knees and tuck your head down. Do not lie flat on the ground.
- If you are boating or swimming, get to land as quickly as possible.
- If you are inside, don’t use a telephone or other electrical equipment unless in an emergency.
- Do not take a bath or shower during a thunderstorm.
