MONSOON AWARENESS WEEK : Lightning Safety Tips

Every year, weather dangers affect the Borderland during late spring and summer. In preparation for ” The Monsoon ” this week The National Weather Service El Paso has teamed up with the StormTrack Weather Team to discuss safety tips for staying safe during the Borderland’s monsoon season.

According to the National Weather Service, lightning is a leading cause of injury and death from weather-related hazards. Being outside when lightning is present is not something to take lightly–ever! Another weather hazard associated with lightning is thunderstorms. Thunderstorms are dangerous storms that include lightning and can include high winds, hail and flash floods.

Lightning often strikes people who work outside or take part in outdoor activities. Lightning strikes are rare, but they still happen and the risk of serious injury or death is severe. So take thunderstorms seriously! The Centers for Disease Control reports that lightning strikes the earth more than 8 million times per day. During 2003-2012, lightning caused an average of 35 deaths per year in the United States.

Protect yourself and your family with these lightning safety tips :

Stay off corded phones, computers and other electrical equipment that put you in direct contact with electricity.

Avoid plumbing, including sinks, baths, and faucets.

Stay away from windows and doors, and stay off porches.

Do not lie on concrete floors, and do not lean against concrete walls.

Source: NWS