Thunderstorms and Lighting

.Facts about Thunderstorms

.Facts about Lighting

.How to Protect Myself from a Thunderstorm or Lighting

All thunderstorms are dangerous. Every thunderstorm produces lighting. In the United States, an average of 300 people are injured and 80 people are killed each year by lighting. Although most lighting victims survive, people struck by lighting often report a variety of long-term debilitating symptoms. Other associated dangers of thunderstorms include tornadoes, strong winds, hail and flash flooding. Flash flooding is responsible for more fatalities-more than 140 annually-than any other thunderstorm-associated hazard.

Facts about Thunderstorms
. They may occur singly, in clusters, or in lines

. Some of the most severe occur when a single thunderstorm affects one location for a extended time.

. Thunderstorms typically produce heavy rain for a brief period, anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour.

.About 10 percent of thunderstorms are classified as severe-one that produces hail at least three-quarters of an inch in
Diameter, has winds of 58 miles per hour or higher, or produces a tornado.

Facts about Lightning
. Lightning's unpredictability increases the risk to individuals and property.

. Lightning often strikes outside of heavy rain and may occur as far as 10 miles away from any rainfall.

. "Heat lightning" is actually lightning from a thunderstorm too far away for thunder to be heard.

. Lightning strike victims carry no electrical charge and should be attended to immediately.

. Most lightning deaths and injuries occur when people are caught outdoors in the summer months during the afternoon & evening

If you are: Then:

In a Forest Seek shelter in a low area under a thick growth of small trees.

In a open area Go to a low place such as a ravine or valley. Be alert for flash floods.

On open water Get to land and find shelter immediately.

Anywhere you feel your hair stand on end (which indicates that lightning is about to strike) Squat low to the ground on the balls of your feet. place your hands over your ears and your head between your knees. Make yourself the smallest target possible and minimize your contact it the ground. DO NOT lie flat on the ground.

If you are:	Then:
In a Forest	Seek shelter in a low area under a thick growth of small trees.
In a open area	Go to a low place such as a ravine or valley. Be alert for flash floods.
On open water	Get to land and find shelter immediately.
Anywhere you feel your hair stand on end (which indicates that lightning is about to strike)	Squat low to the ground on the balls of your feet. place your hands over your ears and your head between your knees. Make yourself the smallest target possible and minimize your contact it the ground. DO NOT lie flat on the ground.