Get Healthy Carson City: When thunder roars, go indoors

As the weather warms up, many forget about the summer thunderstorms that bring wind, rain, and lightning. There are approximately 25 million lightning strikes in the U.S. each year that carry up to a billion volts of electricity. It is important to know that the threat of lightning increases as a thunderstorm approaches. So, when thunder roars, go indoors!

Outside safety

Our area is known for many recreational activities that include nearby mountains and lakes. However, weather can change without warning, and an outdoor adventure can turn into a dangerous situation when thunderstorms develop.

Prevention is the best way to avoid danger. Before heading out, check the weather forecast for the area you will be visiting. If thunderstorms are predicted, alter your plans to ensure you are off the mountain, back on shore, or finished with your activity before the weather turns threatening.

While there is no safe place outdoors during a thunderstorm, follow these tips from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration if you find yourself caught by the weather:

• Picnic shelters, dugouts, and small buildings without plumbing or electricity are not safe

• Avoid open fields, the top of a hill, or ridge top

• Stay away from tall, isolated trees or other tall objects

• If in a group, spread out to avoid current traveling between group members

• If camping, remember tents offer NO protection from lightning

• Stay away from water or wet items such as rope. Also, avoid metal objects such as fences and poles. Water and metal do not attract lightning but are excellent conductors of electricity.

Indoor safety

Even if you are indoors during a thunderstorm, there are some other tips from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to keep you safe:

• When inside, do not touch electrical outlets, plumbing, or corded phones

• Cell phones are safe to use

• Keep away from outside doors and windows. Do not lie on concrete floors or lean against concrete walls.

• Do not touch electrical equipment such as computers, TVs, or cords (remote controls are safe)

• Do not unplug equipment during a thunderstorm as there is a risk for lightning to strike

• Do not wash hands, take showers, or wash dishes

• Wait 30 minutes after the last lightning strike or thunder boom before going back outside

What to do if struck by lightning

The energy in a lightning strike is intense. In the U.S., the odds of being struck by lightning in any year is 1 in 1,171,000. If someone is struck by lightning, immediate medical attention is needed. Call 9-1-1 and watch the victim.

Lightning victims do not carry an electrical charge; therefore, they are safe to touch. Assess the person to determine if they need CPR or the use of an AED and provide that assistance to the victim if you can.

A bolt of lightning can heat the surrounding air to 60,000 degrees Fahrenheit, causing a fire to begin, especially in dry areas. While there is nothing you can do to prevent a lightning strike from igniting a fire, you can take steps now to protect your home and property.

Visit www.carsonfire.org to learn more about wildland fuel reduction and ways to create defensible space around your home.

To learn more about lightning and lightning safety, go to www.weather.gov/safety/lightning.

For more information about other Health Department services, check out our website at www.gethealthycarsoncity.org, like us at www.facebook.com/cchhs, and follow us on Twitter @CCHealthEd.