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Enjoying nature is green, but getting killed or seriously injured by nature isn't so green.
In the south with the summer comes huge thunder and lightning storms. It's nature's way of cooling down a hot summer day. Storms can knock out your power and be very dangerous if you're not careful. If you love to be outside lightning can be your worst nightmare. Every thunderstorm produces lightning, which kills more people each year than tornadoes, according to Disaster Center. Knowing the signs that a big storm is coming and what to do when it does come are the keys to avoiding Mother Nature?s wrath when you're playing outside. You'll stay safe and want to keep enjoying nature, a good green thing.
According to the National Weather Service a thunderstorm is severe if it produces hail at least three quarters of an inch in diameter, has winds of 58 miles per hour or higher, or produces a tornado.
Know a storm is coming
According to Safety.com, dark, low rolling clouds, lightning, and thunder are the most common signs of an approaching thunderstorm. The National Weather Service usually issues severe weather warnings 30 minutes ahead of time so once you're aware of a warning, take shelter immediately.
In case you do not have access to the news, a good way to determine if you're in danger is to count the seconds between seeing the lightning and hearing the thunder. If the time is 30 seconds or less, the lightning is close enough to be a threat and you should take shelter. Lightning often strikes outside of heavy rain and may occur as far as 10 miles away from any rainfall.
Stay put after the thunderstorm
Don't venture outside for at least 30 minutes after the last flash of lightning. Consider that more than half of lightning deaths occur after the storm has passed. In the United States, 75 to 100 people are killed each year by lightning, although most lightning victims do survive. Persons struck by lightning often report a variety of long-term symptoms like memory loss, sleep disorders, numbness, dizziness, stiffness in joints, irritability, fatigue, weakness, muscle spasms, and depression, according to Disaster Center, so don't risk it.
Before the storm warning prepare by keeping these items handy in case the power goes out:
- Portable radio
- Flashlight
- Soy Candles and matches
- Fresh batteries
- Storm kit with fresh water, food, and first-aid kit
- Blankets
Also plan a safe place for the family to gather in case of an unexpected storm.
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