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PERSONAL
LIGHTNING SAFETY TIPS
1.PLAN in advance your evacuation and safety measures. When you first
see lightning or hear thunder, activate your emergency plan. Now is
the time to go to a building or a vehicle. Lightning often precedes
rain, so don't wait for the rain to begin before suspending activities.
2.IF OUTDOORS...Avoid water. Avoid the high ground. Avoid open spaces.
Avoid all metal objects including electric wires, fences, machinery,
motors, power tools, etc. Unsafe places include underneath canopies,
small picnic or rain shelters, or near trees. Where possible, find shelter
in a substantial building or in a fully enclosed metal vehicle such
as a car, truck or a van with the windows completely shut. If lightning
is striking nearby when you are outside, you should:
A. Crouch down. Put feet together. Place hands over ears to minimize
hearing damage from thunder.
B. Avoid proximity (minimum of 15 ft.) to other people.
3.IF INDOORS... Avoid water. Stay away from doors and windows. Do not
use the telephone. Take off head sets. Turn off, unplug, and stay away
from appliances, computers, power tools, & TV sets. Lightning may
strike exterior electric and phone lines, inducing shocks to inside
equipment.
4.SUSPEND ACTIVITIES for 30 minutes after the last observed lightning
or thunder.
5.INJURED PERSONS do not carry an electrical charge and can be handled
safely. Apply First Aid procedures to a lightning victim if you are
qualified to do so. Call 911 or send for help immediately.
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