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Lightning is one
of nature's deadliest natural phenomena, killing more people in the U.S.
than anyother weather hazard except flash floods. However, you can protect
yourself by learning more about the hazards of lightning.
Avoiding Injury
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Plan ahead. Always
check the weather forecast before outdoor activities. Know where you can
quickly find safe cover.
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Take cover in a metal-topped
vehicle if it's not possible to go inside a building, but don't touch any
metal parts of the vehicle during a lightning storm.
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Avoid unsafe locations
: open sheds, tents, open boats, convertibles, temporary shelters; open areas
like golf courses, athletic fields, and tennis courts; lakes, swimming pools,
seashore; isolated trees; high ground; open windows or roof tops; places
near wire fences, clotheslines, overhead wires, or railroad tracks.
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Avoid using electrical
appliances, telephones (unless it's an emergency), or plumbing fixtures
such as shower heads or faucets.
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Stay under cover
until the danger passes. Lightning can strike even if there's no rain.
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Remember, if you hear
thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning.
Lightning Alert
If your skin tingles or your hair stands on end, lightning is about to strike!
Crouch on the balls of your feet. Place your hands on your knees and your
head between them to make yourself the smallest target possible. Do NOT lie
flat on the ground.
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You can tell the distance to
lightning by counting one second per mile between the flash and the thunder.
FALSE. The sound of thunder travels
about one mile in five seconds-but don't rely on this method to stay safe.
Lightning can strike at any time in threatening weather
If it isn't raining, you don't have to worry about lightning.
FALSE. Lightning often strikes outside
of heavy rain and may occur as far as 10 miles from the nearest rainfall
Most people who are killed by lightning are killed at the peak of a storm's
intensity than during any other time.
FALSE. Although a greater number of lightning strikes may
occur during the peak of a storm, more people are struck toward the start
and end of a thunderstorm than at any other time.
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