Don’t take chances with lightning; when thunder roars, go indoors
Each year, approximately 40 million lightning strikes hit the ground in the United States and cause approximately six to 15 deaths in Pennsylvania, according to the National Weather Service.
While being struck by lightning is rare, it’s better to protect yourself and stay out of harm’s way when thunder and lightning are approaching. The general rule of thumb: when thunder roars, go indoors.
Electrical Safety Foundation International offers some other lightning safety tips:
- When you see lightning, count until you hear thunder. If that time is 30 seconds or less, the thunderstorm is within 6 miles of you and is dangerous. Immediately seek shelter.
- Do not touch concrete surfaces, including those in a basement or garage. Lightning can travel through the metal wires in concrete walls and flooring.
- Stay off corded phones and plugged-in electronics.
- Avoid plumbing and water, including bathing or doing laundry.
- Never seek shelter under trees, poles or other tall structures, as they are more likely to be struck by lightning.
Here’s what you can do to protect your property:
- Unplug appliances and other electrical items, such as computers and televisions, to prevent damage from lightning strike surges.
- Surge protection can help prevent damage to your electronics. There are two types of surge protection:
- Point-of-use surge protection – protects items directly plugged into the device from most electrical surges.
- Whole home surge protection – located at your main electrical panel or base of the electric meter. This device provides protection for your entire electrical system.