CINCINNATI – A 12-year-old boy from Loveland, Ohio, was one of three children injured by a lightning strike at a camp in Indianapolis over the weekend.
The incident serves as a reminder for residents to brush up on lightning safety. Summer is the peak season for lightning and we want you to be safe when enjoying the great outdoors.
Lightning is blamed for an average of 52 deaths in the United States per year and it’s one of the most unpredictable characteristics of a thunderstorm. It can strike quickly and without warning.
Most people are unaware that lightning can strike as far as 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. If you can hear thunder, you’re in danger.
The National Weather Service has a slogan: “When thunder roars, go indoors.”
Here’s a list of things you can do to stay safe from lightning:
- Stop all outdoor activities and head inside into a sturdy building
- Stay away from doors and windows
- Don’t use a corded, landline phone
- Don’t touch electrical equipment and cords
- Avoid plumbing
- Don’t touch concrete surfaces
- Wait 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder before going back outside
Tips on Being Safe When Thunderstorms Come was originally published on wzakcleveland.com
