Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
No place is absolutely safe from lightning, but some places are much safer than others.
The safest location during lightning activity is a large enclosed building that has wiring
and plumbing. If lightning strikes such buildings, or an outside tree or telephone pole, the
electrical currentfromtheflashtravelsthroughthewiringortheplumbingintotheground.
Because the current may be traveling through pipes or wires, individuals in the building
muststayawayfromshowers,tubs,andsinksandelectronicequipmentsuchastelevisions,
radios, computers, and electric tools. If electrical devices are to be unplugged, this should
beaccomplished before the storm arrives. Land-line telephones must notbeused,although
cellulartelephonesaresafe.Inhabitantsshouldalsostayawayfromwindowsanddoorsbe-
cause lightning tends to enter through those portals. Although the basements of buildings
are safe, individuals should not lie on concrete floors or lean against concrete walls. These
structures usually contain metal reinforcing rods that conduct electricity.
Buildings that are unsafe include carports, covered but open garages, covered patios,
picnicshelters,beachshacksandpavilions,golfshelters,tentsofanytype,andsmallbuild-
ings such as sheds and greenhouses that do not have electricity or plumbing.
The second safest location is an enclosed metal vehicle—car, truck, SUV, minivan, or
bus—but not a convertible, bike, or other topless or softtop vehicle. All doors must be
closedandwindowsrolledup.Peopleinsidethevehiclemustnottouchanymetalsurfaces.
AnotherrelativelysafelocationrecommendedbytheNationalWeatherServiceisbelow
a bridge or an overpass. The steel girders must not be touched. Individuals should move
away from bicycles or motorcycles and remain on dry surfaces if possible. Overpasses are
engineered structures and are likely to be properly grounded. Although they may be high-
er than the surrounding landscape, if struck by lightning the electrical current is usually
channeled safely into the ground. Individuals under a bridge should stay away from water
but must be alert for rapidly rising water.
The National Weather Service also suggests shelter directly underneath high voltage
electricalasarelativelysafelocation.Individualsshouldstayatleast50feetawayfromthe
large metal towers from which wires are suspended. These wires and towers are designed
to accommodate lightning strikes by conducting the current safely deep into the ground.
Boats with cabins offer a safer but not a perfect environment. Safety is increased if the
boat has a properly installed lightning protection system. Individuals inside the cabin must
stay away from metal and all electrical components. They must stay off the radio unless in
an absolute emergency!
Individuals in small vessels when lightning becomes a threat should anchor the boat if
an anchor is available and should get as low as possible. If scuba divers are diving from a
boatwithasafecabin,theyaresafestthere.Otherwisetheyshoulddivedeepintothewater
for the duration of the storm—or as long as possible. However, the first choice is to head
for shore and get into a safe building or vehicle.
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