Lightning

View this Lightning Safety infographic

Every year people are killed by lightning strikes in Oklahoma. Statistics show that about 50 bolts of lightning strike less than a mile from you each year in Oklahoma about 1 million strikes per year across the state. Your location when these strikes occur could greatly affect your chances of getting struck by lightning.

Once you hear thunder, lightning is close enough to strike! Go inside or get into a hard-topped vehicle.

• Do not lie flat on the ground
• Crouch with your feet together
• Do not seek shelter under trees

• Stay away from windows
• Don’t use the phone
• Stay away from electric appliances
• Stay away from water
• Unplug appliances to protect them

• A boat is usually the highest object in its area. This situation makes boats especially vulnerable to lightning strikes. Get to shore and into a building if possible.
• Lower fishing poles and other tall object
• Stay in a dry spot on the boat if possible
• Do not touch electrical or metal objects

The best way to protect yourself is to plan ahead so you’re not caught outside when storms threaten. Also, be prepared to make a tough decision—to stop your golf game or your work when storms approach. When you think about it, the consequences of missing part of a golf game are a small price to pay for assured safety.

Carry a portable NOAA Weather Radio with you to enable you to keep abreast of all weather situations. These radios provide 24-hour weather coverage from the National Weather Service.

• National Lightning Safety Institute provides personal and structural safety tips, interesting and little known lightning information.
• National Weather Service Lightning Safety provides handouts, indoor and outdoor safety tips, medical facts, history, survivor stories, photos, teacher tools and more