Picture this: you’re out on a run one day when suddenly, the sky begins to grow dark. Seemingly out of nowhere, rain begins to pour from the heavens, and you hear the familiar clap of thunder. While lightning strikes are rare, they’re still exceptionally dangerous—about 28 people are killed by lightning every year. If you ever find yourself caught in a lightning storm, use these three tips to stay safe.
- Get inside. The best thing that you can do if you’re trapped in a lightning storm? Get out of it! As soon as you see dark clouds forming, you should begin seeking shelter.
- Stay low. If there’s no shelter immediately available, the second best course of action is to stay as low to the ground as possible. Lightning often looks for the “easiest” path to the ground, which is usually by striking the tallest object in the area. Look for a ditch or depression that’s sturdy and safe, and enter it to ride out the storm. If you’re on a golf course, lay down on the ground.
- Avoid bodies of water and large trees. Lightning often comes along with rain, which makes some people seek shelter under a tree. Avoid tall trees during a storm—they’re more likely to get struck by lighting and injure you as well. Similarly, avoid bodies of water, which conduct electricity.
Electricity can be dangerous in all forms, so leave your electrical services to the pros at A-1 Electric. A-1 Electric is an independent third-party agency that provides repairs and electrical inspections in Montgomery County. From fixing that one outlet in your home that hasn’t worked since you moved in to installing parking lot lights in Montgomery County for a safer summer, A-1 Electric is here to help. Give us a call today to learn more or schedule an appointment!
