Thursday, July 26, 2007

WHERE NOT TO BE WHEN LIGHTENING STRIKES

According to the Palm Beach Post, the advice is to stay inside when lightening strikes. A National Weather Service meteorologist said that during the summer it’s almost a daily occurrence. Thunder is the first warning, and lightening can repeatedly strike in the same place. If you are out on the golf course, the advice is to use “the lightening crouch,” by putting your feet together, squatting low, tucking in your head and covering your ears, if possible in a low spot like a ditch, and not near trees. Tall objects can result in a deadly charge traveling more than 100’ along the ground. If you are in a car, be sure not to touch metal. Metal roofs and sides will protect you; fiberglass or plastic shells offer no protection from lightening. If it’s possible to get to a building with four walls and a roof, you will be safe, but not in open garages or carports. Inside, don’t pick up corded phones, electrical appliances or wires. You can safely give aid to a lightening victim.

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