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Natural
Disasters - Lightning
Lightning:
Lightning
causes air to heat up so fast that the change in density of air
molecules causes the loud noises, or thunder. Central Florida is
commonly referred to as “the lightning strike capital of the world”. |
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Protecting Yourself and Your Home
In Florida, you need to protect yourself against the lightning
threat.
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Removing any trees or branches that
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attract lightning, and when hit, fall into your home
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Seek shelter if at all possible. Get inside |
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your home, a building, or a hard
top automobile (not a convertible) and stay away from metallic
objects for the duration of the storm
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Avoid showering or bathing during a
storm |
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Do not use
corded telephones, except in
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emergencies |
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Cordless phones
and cell phones will not |
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attract lightning |
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Unplug
appliances and other electrical |
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items to avoid costly power surges |
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Use a battery operated NOAA weather
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radio for updates from
local officials |
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If you are outside and cannot reach
a safe location, follow these safety tips:
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In a forest, seek shelter in a low area
under a thick
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growth of small trees. |
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In open areas, go to a low place such
as a ravine or
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valley. Be alert for flash floods. |
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Do not stand under a natural lightning
rod such as a
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tall, isolated tree in an open area. |
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Do not stand on a hilltop, in an open
field, on the |
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beach or in a boat on the water. |
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Avoid isolated sheds or other
small structures in
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open areas.
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If you are boating or swimming get to land immediately. |
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Avoid contact with metal objects: such
as tractors, |
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farm equipment, motor cycles, golf
carts, etc. |
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If you feel your hair stand on end (which indicates
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that lightning is nearby), squat low to the
ground on the balls of your feet. Place your hands over your ears
and put your head between your knees. Make yourself the smallest target
possible and minimize contact with the ground.
Do NOT lie flat on the ground.
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Other Lightning Safety Tips:
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Postpone outdoor activities if
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thunderstorms are likely. |
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Remember the 30/30 lightning
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safety rule: Go indoors if, after
seeing lightning, you cannot count to 30 before hearing thunder.
Stay indoors for 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder. |
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Rubber-soled shoes and rubber
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tires provide NO protection from
lightning. However, the steel frame of hard top vehicles increases
protection, if you are not touching metal. |
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Although you may be injured if
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lightning hits your car, you are much
safer inside a vehicle that outside.
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