FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Zim Schwartze, OEM Director, or Scott Smith, Public Information Officer - (573) 874-7400

Be aware of lightning dangers

COLUMBIA, MO (June 22, 2010) - As part of the observation of “Summer Weather Safety Week”, the Columbia/Boone County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) reminds residents that one of the deadliest dangers posed by severe weather during the summer comes from lightning.

“When we think of severe weather, wind, hail and tornadoes usually grab most of the headlines,” says OEM Director Zim Schwartze. “However, lightning can be just as dangerous and deadly. Just last year a young woman died from a lightning strike in Boone County while simply walking across an open field after a day of fishing. It’s a tragic reminder that lightning is just as dangerous as any other feature of severe weather.”

Figures from the National Weather Service (NWS) indicate that an average of 62 people are killed each year in the United States by lightning, with 73 percent of lightning-related injuries and deaths taking place in June, July and August.

In addition to Summer Weather Safety Week, this week is also designated as “National Lightning Safety Week” by the National Weather Service.
The Office of Emergency Management has several materials available, as well as safety tips, concerning how to prepare for lightning and other storm phenomenon. Those materials can be found at on the OEM page of the city's website, www.gocolumbiamo.com/EM

Lightning Safety Tips
(Source: National Weather Service)

When Outdoors:
• Remember, lightning can strike up to 10 miles from the rain area. Go quickly inside a completely enclosed building before the storm arrives. Do not go to a carport, open garage, covered patio or open window. A hard topped all metal vehicle also provide good protection
• If no shelter is available, do not take shelter under a tree. Avoid being the tallest object in the area. If only isolated trees are nearby, crouch down on the balls of your feet in the open, keeping twice as far away from a tree as it is tall.
• Get out of the water, off the beach, and out of small boats or canoes. Avoid standing in puddles of water even if wearing rubber boots.
• Do not use metal objects such as golf clubs, metal bats, fishing rods, or metal tools.
• Stop tractor work and heavy construction equipment, especially when pulling metal equipment.

When Indoors:
• Stay Indoors! The best protection from lightning is a house or other substantial building. However, stay away from windows, doors, and metal pipes.
• Do not use electric appliances during the storm. Turn off sensitive equipment such as televisions, VCR's, and computers.
• Telephone use is the leading cause of indoor lightning injuries in the United States. Do not make a call unless it is an emergency.

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