seetoe
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Training Cancelled - Tues 20 Mar, 2007 - 2007/03/21 11:59
Weather plays a large role in safety decisions.
Rain presents an insignificant risk to safety. Lightning, on the other hand, is very dangerous. The reason is simple: lightning and water don't mix.
Lightning Physics:
Lightning can strike many kilometres from the parent thunderstorm, well outside the rain area and even beyond the visible thundercloud. Lightning does not “decide” where it will strike until the stepped leader descending from the cloud is about 30 m from the ground or object that is struck. Thus, short objects in an open area can be struck by lightning even if a tall object is nearby. If lightning strikes a nearby object, shock can result either by direct contact or a side flash.
What to do:
When lightning threatens, go to a safer location. Do not hesitate. The lightning casualty lore is replete with tales of persons just about to make it to safety when they were struck. Even a few extra minutes lead time can be life saving.
Call to Action:
The most important statement for everyone to understand, memorize and to act on is: NO PLACE OUTSIDE IS SAFE from lightning NEAR THUNDERSTORMS!
The rules to survival are simple:
- Seek a safe low densely tree area if you are on the water, exposed ridge, mountain, cliff, field, etc. Don't be the highest object around.
- Don't huddle as a group spread out at least 100 feet
- Minimize you contact with the ground, but remember to keep low.
- Stay away from other conductors eg. Towers, fences, wires etc.
- If you can get to a vehicle it is your safest place.
- Don't assume the storm is over until at least 30 minutes have elapsed from the last flash of lightning
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