Summer Weather Safety Tips

It is great to be outdoors in the summer. When it is not too hot, people can't wait to go to the beach, the park, or play tennis, golf, and other sports. However, it's important to remember some summer weather safety tips when you are outdoors during these months. Thunderstorms with heavy rain can develop quickly, particularly on hot, humid days. They usually strike in the late afternoon and early evening, when the heat of the day has peaked and created an environment for convection. If you are outside when you begin to hear thunder, here is some important safety information.

- Remember that if you can hear thunder, you could be a victim of a lightning strike, even though it has not started to rain in your area. According to the National Weather Service, lightning can reach up to 5 miles in length (source: www.noaa.gov). There is truth to the expression "bolt out of the blue". There are several cases in the weather journals of individuals being struck by lightning under blue skies. While this is exceedingly rare, the sound of thunder when the sky looks very threatening is a sign that you need to seek shelter. If you are attending your child's softball game, and the sky is threatening and you hear thunder, the coach should clear the field as soon as possible. This also goes for those on the beach, playing golf or tennis, or jogging, walking, biking, or swimming.

- If you are caught outdoors and shelter is not nearby when a storm is approaching, try not to stand near any tall trees, poles or metal fences. If you are caught in the storm in an open field, it is best to crouch down, putting your arms around your knees, your head tucked between them, and having just your two feet on the ground. This will minimize a shock if lightning should hit a nearby tree or other structure. Never, never seek shelter under a tree.

- If you are driving a car in a thunderstorm, you are usually safe (unless you're in a convertible). However, do not go through a flooded street and keep clear of any areas with downed power lines. Even though flood waters may not look high, the force of flash floods can carry a car into harm's way.

- If you are home during a storm, do not bathe or go near faucets during a thunderstorm. You should refrain from using electrical appliances and the telephone. Lightning strikes or near strikes can find their way through plumbing and electrical wires. Electrical equipment can also be damaged by electrical surges during a thunderstorm. Therefore, it is wise to disconnect electrical equipment such as computers and TVs from the wall socket.

- If you are in a boat, you should always have a weather radio on board to monitor the weather. At the first sign of a storm you should head to shore.

- A weather radio or access to The Weather Channel, or other local weather outlet is important for everyone, but critical in areas where tornado formation is common. Advances in weather technology have saved countless lives as doppler radar and other technical advances permit early warning of severe storms. In areas where tornados are common, be familiar with the steps you should take if a tornado warning is issued. Do not stay in a mobile home during severe thunderstorms that can spawn a tornado. Cars are also not safe. If you are in your home, go to lowest floor in the house. Visit www.weather.com/safeside for more specific, lifesaving tips for riding out a tornado. This website also gives safety tips for all types of severe weather, including thunderstorms, hurricanes, floods and others.

Summer is a great time to enjoy the outdoors. Be sure you keep safe by keeping an eye to the sky and knowing what to do when a storm approaches.