A message from the National Weather Service…

“When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!”

Thunder is lightning’s early warning system and we are sharing the message that the time to act is when you hear the first roar of thunder. Many people who are killed or hurt by lightning were seeking shelter, but they just waited too long. Waiting longer puts you at risk of injury or even death.

Lightning kills an average of 58 Americans every year and severely injures hundreds more, but this does not have to happen. Follow these simple steps to help get yourself and others to safety:

1. Have a plan before trouble strikes.

2. Avoid water, high ground or open spaces.

3. Avoid metal objects and tall trees or poles.

4. Move as quickly as possible to a building or vehicle with solid sides and roof.

5. Wait for 30 minutes until the storm has passed before coming back out.

6. KNOW YOUR EMERGENCY NUMBERS!

NBU employee volunteers have installed ‘When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors’ safety signs at many of our area parks, activity centers and schools. We hope our efforts will help everyone learn more about lightning risks and how to protect yourself, your loved ones and your belongings.

The National Weather Service is also a great resource for information about lightning safety. Check out their site for handouts, indoor safety and outdoor risk reduction tips, medical facts, history, survivor stories, photos, teacher tools, kids page and more.

http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/