1 Get to safety
2Protect yourself
SEVERE STORM
227
BEING OUTSIDE IN LIGHTNING
1 Get to safety
• If you are out in a lightning storm, seek shelter in a low area, such as a ditch or hillside, away from tall trees and poles, and water.
• Remember that any thunderstorm may produce lightning.
• Stay far away from metal objects, such as fences or pylons, which pose a particular danger: lightning sparks can arc off metal, and strike anyone standing nearby.
• If you are riding a bicycle, get off, leave the bicycle, and take shelter.
• If you are riding a horse, get off, tether the horse safely to whatever is available, then seek shelter.
• If you are in a car with a metal roof, stay where you are: the car’ s metal shell and rubber wheels will protect you.
• If you are out in a boat, head for land immediately.
DO’ S AND DON’ TS
DO
• Get to open land.
• Stay away from tall trees or rocks.
• Get as small and low you can.
• Protect your head from a possible strike.
• Stay in your car if you can.
DON’ T
• Stand on high ground, such as on top of a hill.
• Think that you are protected by wearing rubber-soled shoes or boots.
• Kneel or sit down on wet material.
• Carry metal objects.
2Protect yourself
• Do not carry anything with a metal rod, such as an umbrella or golf club, that might conduct lightning.
• If you feel your hair stand on end, lightning is about to strike.
• If you are near trees or rocks, run for open ground, if you have time. Kneel down, bend forward to protect your head, and put your hands on your knees.
• It is important to protect your head, the most vulnerable part of the body, and to minimize contact with the ground.
Keep your head lower than the rest of your body
If someone is struck by lightning
!• A bolt of lightning can be fatal if it strikes
someone on the head and then travels down to the ground. It can also cause severe burns, broken bones, cuts, and unconsciousness; and it can set clothing on fire.
• Do not touch someone who has been struck by lightning if he or she is very wet or in
water: you could be electrocuted because the electrical discharge is still within his or her body.
• Dial 911 or call EMS immediately, even if the person appears to be unharmed.
• If the person’ s clothing is on fire, follow the instructions on p. 182.
• Treat the burns( pp. 48 – 9).
• If the person is not breathing, start rescue breathing( pp. 16 – 17).
• If the person has no signs of circulation, start CPR( pp. 18 – 20).