Contact:
Communications
Specialist
Jennifer Hillmann
720-879-2462
DHSEM.state.co.us | COEmergency.com
| Colorado.gov/MARS
Lightning Preparedness: When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!
Centennial, Colo. – June 19, 2017 — Lightning strikes the ground in Colorado more than a half million times
each year and with many of us participating in outdoor summer activities, we
need to learn how to protect ourselves from lightning hazards.
It is important to remember that although most
lightning occurs in the summer, people can be struck at any time of year. According to the National Weather Service, lightning
kills an average of 47 people in the United
States each year, and hundreds more are severely injured. In 2016 there were a total of 38 people
killed from lightning strikes. A woman was killed from a lightning strike during
May 2017 in Colorado while horseback riding.
Here are a couple important things to
keep in mind before venturing outdoors:
- Check the weather forecast before heading out. An informed decision will help you avoid being in an area where lightning is expected to occur.
- Stay tuned to a NOAA Weather Radio, check National Weather Service websites or access your favorite weather mobile applications on your cell phone for the most current forecast.
Once you are outside keep these tips in mind if you have a safe location nearby:
- Know where the nearest safe location is located.
- A safe location is any substantial building, such as a business, a home or a church.
- Any enclosed hard-topped automobile also offers protection from lightning.
- Once you hear thunder or see lightning immediately stop what you are doing and quickly get to a safe shelter. Do not wait until the rain starts to seek safe shelter.
Remember When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors.
When you hear thunder or see lightning it is important for you, and your
family, to act quickly. If you are with
a group of people, spread out. This way
if someone is struck by lightning the others can offer first aid. If a substantial building is not nearby an
enclosed automobile offers excellent protection from lightning as well. Lastly, if you are inside a safe shelter
during a storm, it is recommended you stay there for 30 minutes after the last
rumble of thunder.
Want more tips and ideas? Head over to our website at www.READYColorado.com and read the full blog post, or follow us all
week on our social media accounts for new posts on the Lightning Preparedness
campaign.
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