The statistics are scary: Each year in the United States, an
average of 53 people die from lightning strikes, and hundreds more are
permanently injured.
But remembering just five words could mean the difference between
life and death for you or the Scouts in your unit: “When Thunder Roars, Go
Indoors.”
This is a good time for me to bring it to your attention
because June 21-27, 2015, is Lightning Safety Week, the National Weather Service’s
annual reminder about the dangers of lightning and how to minimize your risk.
Once you hear thunder, lightning is close enough to strike you.
Follow these guidelines to minimize your risk. I wrote them with the help of
Richard Bourlon, the BSA’s Health and Safety expert:
· Go indoors. The single most important
step you can take in a thunderstorm is getting everyone in your unit inside a
safe shelter. There’s no safe place outside in a thunderstorm. A tent
does not count as a safe shelter.
· Find a vehicle. Your next best bet if a
safe building isn’t nearby is to get into an enclosed, metal-topped vehicle.
· Get to a lower elevation. If you aren’t
near a shelter, get off elevated areas such as hills, mountain ridges, or
peaks.
· Stay away from isolated or tall
trees, bodies of water, or objects that conduct electricity (power lines,
windmills, metal fences, etc.) if you aren’t near a shelter.
· Assist victims. People struck by
lightning do not carry an electrical charge and need immediate
medical attention. Call 911, and begin CPR or the use of an AED immediately, if
it’s needed.
· Train yourself. Prepare for lightning
and other weather-related dangers by taking the BSA Weather Hazard
training, available through MyScouting.
· Be Prepared for lightning. It might save a life.
From an article on Bryan's Blog in
2013
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