South Erin

Lightning Safety Tips:

• Postpone outdoor activities if thunderstorms are imminent. This is your best way to avoid being caught in a dangerous situation.
• You are in danger from lightning if you can hear thunder. Lightning often strikes as far as 10 miles away from any rainfall and even under blue skies. Do not wait until the last minute to take shelter.
• Move to a sturdy building or car. Do not take shelter in small sheds, under isolated trees, or in covertible automobiles. Stay away from tall objects such as towers, fences, telephone poles, and power lines.
• If lightning is occurring and a sturdy shelter is not available, get inside a hard top automobile, and keep the windows up. Avoid touching any metal.
• Utility lines and metal pipes can conduct electricity. Unplug appliances not necessary for obtaining weather information. Avoid using the telephone or any electrical appliances. Use phones only in an emergency.
• If outdoors, and no shelter is available, find a low spot away from trees, fences, and poles. Make sure the place you pick is not subject to flooding.
• If you are in the woods, take shelter under the shorter trees.
• If you feel your skin tingle, or your hair stand on end, squat low to the ground on the balls of your feet. Place your hand over your ears and your head between your knees. Make yourself the smallest target possible and minimize your contact with the ground. DO NOT lie down.
• If you are boating or swimming, get to land and find shelter immediately!
• NOAA NWS Binghamton - Local Lightning Hazards