Jun 3, 2022
From the Manager's Desk
Summer is here, and that means it is time to enjoy the outdoors. While we work hard to ensure that your power delivery system is safe and reliable, we also want to share these
tips from SafeElectricity.org about how to stay safe from nature’s most powerful, and potentially deadly, form of electricity lightning.
- A lightning strike can cause serious or even fatal injuries. To avoid these risks, always keep an eye on weather forecasts, and make backup plans in case of an unexpected storm.
- Lightning can strike up to 10 miles from the area in which it is raining. Preparation is important to safety. Monitor forecasts on radio, TV and weather apps downloaded to handheld devices. If there is a chance of severe weather, reschedule the activity or make sure you can get to a safe location if a thunderstorm develops.
- Safe shelters are in fully enclosed buildings or in fully enclosed metal-topped vehicles. Open vehicles, such as convertibles, motorcycles and golf carts, are not safe. Open structures — such as porches, gazebos, pavilions and baseball dugouts — are not safe either. Stay in a safe shelter for at least 30 minutes after you last hear thunder.
- Before a thunderstorm, turn off or unplug corded appliances, and stay away from television sets. Also, turnoff your air conditioner to help protect the compressor from a potential power surge and costly repairs from the storm.
- During the thunderstorm, do not lie on concrete floors, and avoid leaning on concrete walls. Lightning can travel through any metal wires or bars in concrete walls or flooring.
- If a person is struck by lightning, call 911, and care for the victim immediately. You are not in danger of being shocked or electrocuted by the victim.
For more information on storm safety, visit SafeElectricity.org.
