Courtesy of bbs.stardestroyer.net

According to Environment Canada lightning kills about seven people and seriously injures 60 to 70 people in Canada each year. The majority of these tragedies happen in the afternoon and early evening during the summer when people are caught outdoors. If you are inadvertently caught outdoors there are ways to protect yourself from lightning strikes.

• You may have a built-in warning system for lightning. If you feel a tingling sensation, your hair stands on end, or you smell sulfur, lightning might be about to strike.
• If possible go into a protected building, a car with a hardtop, a tunnel, subway, cave, or a ditch.
• You should not be higher than your surroundings. Try to go to an area of lower elevation. If you are in an open space crouch down and cover your ears. Don’t lie down or place your hands on the ground because a lightning strike could electrify the ground that you are lying on.
• Stay away from trees.
• Don’t use your umbrella. Put it down and walk away.
• Leave wet areas, pools, lakes, and beaches immediately.
• Avoid metal objects – scooters, bicycles, motorcycles, golf carts, fences, poles, power lines.
• If you are with a group, spread out.

We all feel safe from lightening strikes at home and frequently watch storms from our balconies or windows. But, are we really safe? What should you do if you are indoors during a lightening storm?

• Stay away from doors and windows.
• Don’t use the phone, except during an emergency.
• Don’t use electrical appliances.
• Don’t unplug any electronic equipment or electrical appliances during a storm.
• Refrain from touching sinks, faucets, baths, and showers – any wet places.