The National Weather Service has declared this week, June 22 to 28, as National Lightning Safety Awareness Week. The State of Florida is recognized as the “lightning capitol of North America” and lightning strikes have claimed the lives of 13 people in Escambia County since 1959.
There are several important ways you can protect yourself from one of nature’s most powerful forces, including going inside when you notice a thunderstorm approaching. Lightning has been known to strike 10 miles or more away from the main thunderstorm, while most strikes occur more than three miles from the center of a thunderstorm.
If you cannot get into a house or business building, you should seek shelter inside an automobile. A common myth is the rubber tires can protect you from lightning’s lethal force. The fact is the metal roof and metal sides of an automobile are what provide protection.
Another myth is wearing metal on your body will attract lightning. The fact is height, a pointed shape and isolation are the biggest factors on where lightning strikes. If you hear thunder, do not take time to remove jewelry. Get inside a building.
Additional information about lightning is attached to this release.
For more information about staying safe during thunder and lightning storms and preparing for tropical weather storms, visit www.bereadyescambia.com and for the latest severe weather updates, follow us on Twitter @BeReadyEscambia.
