June 21 – June 27 is Lightning Safety Awareness Week according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA. Considering the last post and the fact that this is indeed Lightning Safety Awareness Week, we thought it made sense to let you in on some tips given by NOAA.
If you’re indoors:
-Lightning usually enters a structure through wires, pipes, or even just through the ground.
-When lightning is in the air, you should steer clear of corded phones and instead use cordless or cellular phones.
-Do not do anything involving touching water. This includes swimming, taking a shower or bath, washing your hands, washing dishes, and doing laundry.
-You can use cordless electrical equipment, such as remote controls, but other items like computers, TVs, or cords should be avoided.
-Stay away from windows, doors, porches, or other open-air structures.
-Avoid leaning against, lying down, or sitting down on concrete floors or walls.
If you’re outdoors:
-Remember “When thunder roars, go indoors.” Take the boat in (because of course you’re on the water!) and find a safe enclosed structure.
-If you can’t make it to an enclosed area, crouch into a ball-like position (such as feed and knees together, hunched over knees with head tucked and hands over your ears). Do not lie down. The idea is to keep minimal contact with the ground.
-If you’re in a large group of people and are caught in the open, separate to minimize injuries if lightning strikes the ground.
-Don’t stay in an open vehicle or structure and try to stay out of open space. This includes vehicles like convertibles, motorcycles, golf carts, jeeps: open structures like gazebos, baseball dugouts, porches, sports arenas; spaces like golf courses, playgrounds, ponds, lakes, and beaches.
-Stay near a tall structure. For instance, if you are near a tree, you’re safer than if you’re in an open field. However, if you are relying on a concrete wall or barrier, be sure to remember not to have contact with it.
The most important thing for a boater to remember is to check the weather forecast before you leave, and to be willing to postpone your trip in case of bad weather. While it’s important to have fun, remember, it’s far more important to stay safe!