When thunder roars, seek shelter indoors!

The weather. We love to complain and joke about it, but the weather is no laughing matter when it comes to lightning. Lightning poses very serious hazards for outdoor workers – it is the most dangerous summer weather phenomenon and kills more people than hail, wind, rain and tornadoes combined. Lightning flashes approximately 2 million times a year in Canada, killing an average of 16 people and injuring up to 70.

According to Environment Canada, New Brunswick averages the highest number of days of thunderstorms a year in Atlantic Canada (10-20). Since these are more frequent from June to August, New Brunswickers need to be especially vigilant at this time of year.

There’s truth to that old maxim you may have heard: “When thunder roars, get indoors!” The safest place to be during a thunderstorm is indoors, or in a metal roofed vehicle*. But if you do find yourself outdoors, one of the best forms of protection from lightning is knowing, and using, the 30-30 rule. Once you see lightning, start counting until you hear the thunder. If there is less than 30 seconds between the lightning flash and the thunder, take shelter immediately. (Each second represents 300 metres. If you count less than 30, the storm is less than 10 km away, and there is a chance the next strike could be within 10 kms.) Do not return outdoors until 30 minutes after the last lightning strike.

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Lightning tends to strike higher ground and prominent objects, so keep a safe distance from tall objects such as trees, flagpoles and telephone poles – ensure that you are not the tallest point. Also, move away from objects that conduct electricity, such as tractors, golf carts, golf clubs, metal fences, motorcycles, lawnmowers and bicycles.

Feeling your hair stand on end may mean that lightning is about to strike. Immediately get in the frog position by crouching down on the balls of your feet, with feet together, arms around your knees and bend forward, covering your ears with your hands. Make yourself as small as possible while minimizing your contact with the ground. Do not lie flat!

If you find yourself outdoors in the open, try to take shelter in low-lying areas such as valleys or ditches, but watch for flooding if raining heavily. And if you are in a group in the open, spread out, keeping people several metres apart.

It’s important to stay away from water during a thunderstorm, even puddles. Lightning can strike water and travel some distance from its point of contact. If you are in a boat, head for shore immediately, but if caught on the water, crouch low in the boat.

While lightning poses the greatest hazard to those working outdoors, being indoors presents risks as well. Keep as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Avoid touching appliances that conduct electricity, such as radiators and sinks, and only use battery-operated appliances. And don’t take a shower or bath–if lightning strikes the plumbing system, it can be conducted into the tub or shower.

*If you are in a car, open the windows slightly and park off the road, away from power lines. Set the brakes. Be wary of downed power lines and don’t try to step outside the car if they are near or touching the car.

Source: Environment Canada