Outdoor Lightning Safety

Описание: Each year in the United States:

Thunderstorms produce 20-25 million lightning flashes that strike the ground

Lightning kills at least 20 people, and injures hundreds more, often in devastating and permanent ways

Many lightning deaths occur during recreational activities, often when sheltering under a tree. Do NOT do this!

Why does lightning often strike trees? Because lightning is attracted to tall objects.

In fact, it’s dangerous to even be near a tree or other tall object, since electricity from lightning spreads out through the ground.

So, where is a safe place to go? You are generally safe indoors, or inside a hard-topped vehicle.

If you hear thunder or see lightning, take shelter immediately!

And check the forecast so you can know before you go! If a thunderstorm is likely, it’s safest to avoid being outdoors in the first place.

weather.gov