Spring and summer in Georgia means outdoor activities and
thunderstorms. In the United States, lightning kills more people
than hurricanes or tornadoes. And using a simple “30-30” rule can
help keep you safe during thunderstorms.

The 30-30 rule for thunderstorm safety is simple: when you hear
thunder within 30 seconds of a lightning flash, seek shelter and
stay there at least 30 minutes after the last lightning flash.

Start counting as soon as you see a lightning flash and keep
counting until you hear the thunder associated with the flash.

Since sound travels at about 5 seconds per mile, a 30-second
count means lightning has struck within 6 miles of you. That’s
within the striking distance of lightning.

If less than 30 seconds elapses between the lightning flash and
the sound of its thunder, seek shelter immediately.

The Best Shelter

The best shelter is a sturdy building. A hardtop car is a fair
second choice. But small sheds, picnic shelters, baseball dugouts
and bleachers don’t offer adequate protection from lightning.

Once you’ve found shelter, remain there until the threat of
lightning has passed — generally 30 minutes. More than half of
all lightning deaths occur after the storm has passed.

An important part of lightning safety is to remain aware of
weather conditions. While outside, be aware of dark and
threatening clouds that may be forming thunderstorms. Being aware
will give you more time to seek shelter.

Danger Before the Storm

You may not hear thunder before the storm is close enough to
cause damage. Lightning can exit a thunderstorm cloud directly to
the ground, or can strike to the side of the cloud long distances
away.

Besides the 30-30 rule, there are other lightning safety rules
everyone should follow during thunderstorms.

If you’re inside, stay away from doors, windows and metal indoor
plumbing fixtures and electrical devices.

Electricity from lightning can enter a building along telephone
or power lines, television cables or water lines. Avoid taking
baths or showers, washing clothes or dishes or using wired
telephones or electrical devices such as computers, televisions
or stereos.

If You’re Outside…

If you’re outside, avoid water, open high ground and isolated
large trees. Lightning often, but not always, strikes the highest
point in the area, so don’t let yourself be the highest object
around.

If caught on the water, get to shore as quickly as you can. If
the watercraft can’t make it to shore fast enough, make yourself
as low as possible without touching metal.

Swimming or wading in the water during a thunderstorm is very
dangerous.

If caught outside, it’s best not to huddle together in groups.
Individuals should squat several feet apart in low places away
from trees and other tall objects.

Shun Lightning Conductor

Don’t stand near a tall and isolated lightning conductor, either,
since the lightning current can travel through the ground and
through water for some distance. Avoid metal, including tractors,
fences, golf clubs, towers and antennas.

Don’t lean against metal objects such as fences, cars or
bicycles, either.

If you see someone hit by lightning, summon emergency aid as soon
as possible and go to that person’s help as soon as you can.

Help Lightning Victims

Many lightning victims are only stunned or have their hearts
temporarily stopped. They can often be saved by the timely
application of rescue breathing, CPR or defibrillators. As many
as 90 percent of lightning strike victims survive with prompt
emergency care.

Following simple lightning safety rules can help ensure that your
outdoor activities are safe and worry-free.

More lightning safety guidelines may be found at the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Lightning Safety Web
page (www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/outdoors.htm).

A web page for lightning safety for children is at www.azstarnet.com/~anubis/sabintro.htm. And the
National Lightning Safety Institute Web page is www.lightningsafety.com/
.