Wally Wise Guy's Wise Words of the Week: It's National Lightning Safety Awareness Week. Stay Safe When Lightning Strikes

Each year, the United States averages 300 lightning deaths and 80 injuries. All thunderstorms produce lightning and have the potential for danger.

Lightning's risk to individuals and property is increased because of its unpredictability, which emphasizes the importance of preparedness. It often strikes outside of heavy rain and may occur as far as 10 miles away from any rainfall. Most lightning deaths and injuries occur when people are caught outdoors in the summer months during the afternoon and evening.

Click the following link to download the Office of Emergency Management's Thunderstorms flyer.

Remember, during a thunderstorm:

• Stay inside a building or hard-top vehicle, convertibles offer no safety from lightning. 
• Avoid showering, bathing, using a computer or a phone that has a cord, except in an emergency. 
• Unplug appliances, televisions and computers. 
• If outside, take cover immediately but never stand under a tall tree in an open area. 
• Don't touch metal, electrical equipment, telephones, bathtubs, water faucets or sinks.
• If someone is struck, call 9-1-1 for help, monitor the victim and begin Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CRP) or Automated External Defibrillator (AED), if necessary.

For more information on Lightning Safety, visit the National Weather Service's Lightning Safety page at http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/.