Thunderbolts and Lightning, Very Very Frightening

By Margaret Lyons in Miscellaneous on Jun 23, 2008 7:59PM

So far in 2008, 8 people have died after being struck by lightning. Thank God it's Lightning Safety Week! Prepare to have your awareness raised!

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration recommends that "when thunder roars, go indoors." Of the 45 people who were killed by lightning in 2007, 44 were struck outside. Cars (except for convertibles) are safe shelters, but "car ports,...open garages, covered patio, picnic shelters, beach shacks/pavilions, golf shelters, camping tents, large outdoor tents, baseball dugouts and other small buildings such as sheds and greenhouses that do not have electricity or plumbing" won't protect you from lightning. "Don't kid yourself--you are NOT safe outside," warns the NOAA. Jeeze louise, guys.

You may get a chance to put this lightning safety knowledge to work later this week; there's a chance of storms starting Tuesday night and increasing through Friday.

Photo by MerrickB