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ANNOUNCES LIGHTNING SAFETY AWARENESS WEEK, EMPHASIZES RISK REDUCTION
"Leon the Lightning Lion" Joins Effort To Educate Children
June
16, 2006 — Reducing the risk of being struck by lightning is the focus
of national Lightning
Safety Awareness Week, June 18-24. Lightning is most common in the
summer months, but can be a hazard throughout the year. And although
most lightning victims are struck outdoors, lightning poses a threat
to those indoors as well. (Click NOAA image for larger view
of lightning safety poster. Click
here for high resolution version. Please credit “NOAA.”)
"All thunderstorms produce potentially deadly and destructive lightning. Knowing lightning is in the forecast and being prepared to react to the first sound of thunder are the initial key safety steps," said Brig. Gen. David L. Johnson, U.S. Air Force (Ret.), director of the NOAA National Weather Service.
If you are outdoors and see darkening skies or hear thunder, seek a sturdy, enclosed shelter immediately, such as a building or hardtop automobile,. "Don't wait for rain to start falling to seek shelter from the storm—by then it could be too late," says John Jensenius, lightning expert with the NOAA National Weather Service. "Lightning causalities frequently occur before the rain begins and soon after the rain ends. Wait at least 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder before returning outside."
If you are indoors during a thunderstorm, try not to use corded appliances and electronics, such as computers and phones, as well as plumbing. Electrical wiring and pipes can provide a path for lightning to enter an enclosed structure.
"Lightning is a cunning and powerful force of nature. It is important to realize there are no guaranteed safe shelters—rather only ways to reduce your chances of becoming a victim," adds Jensenius.
Last year in the United States, lightning was reported to have killed at least 48 people. On average, lightning is responsible for 66 fatalities annually. Additionally, hundreds of people are injured by lightning. "Lightning survivors are often left with debilitating health effects, such as permanent nerve damage or brain injury," says Mary Ann Cooper, professor at the University of Illinois's department of emergency medicine.
To stress the importance of lightning safety for people of all ages, the Lightning Safety Alliance created a cartoon character, Leon the Lightning Lion, who promotes the slogan "When thunder roars, go indoors!" created by a private group, Struckbylightning.org. Both organizations are among the NOAA partners providing public information about lightning safety. Leon is featured in a new children's coloring page that can be printed from NOAA's lightning safety Web site.
| NOAA DEBUNKING LIGHTNING'S CONNECTION TO CELL PHONES Contrary to recent media reports, NOAA lightning experts state that lightning is not attracted to people carrying cell phones. "Cell phones, small metal items, jewelry,
etc., do not attract lightning. Nothing attracts lightning. Lightning
tends to strike taller objects," said John Jensenius, a NOAA
National Weather Service lightning expert. "People are struck
because they are in the wrong place at the wrong time. The wrong
place is anywhere outside. The wrong time is anytime a thunderstorm
is nearby." |
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agency of the U.S. Department of
Commerce, is dedicated to enhancing economic security and national
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Relevant Web Sites
NOAA Lightning Safety
Media
Contact:
Chris Vaccaro, NOAA
National Weather Service, (301) 713-0622 ext. 142