How to Protect Yourself From Lightning

Video Transcript

"You know, there's many tragedies that occur every year that are entirely preventable. Hi, I'm Captain Joe Bruni and what I want to talk about is how to avoid getting hit by a lightening strike. Lightening strikes occur with frequency every year. Some of the ways to prevent being hit by lightening is, first and foremost, understand how lightening exactly works. Lightening is just a static charge, sometimes from cloud to ground or from ground to cloud. If you are indoors, stay indoors if lightening is imminent, do not try to go outside or run for a vehicle or cover, until the storm passes. Also, if located inside, stay away from certain items, such as, water pipes, telephone lines and water usage like washing hands or taking a shower should be avoided. Many times when lightening strikes a building it will run through metal fixtures, such as, pipes and telephone wiring. You don't have to be outside to be injured by a lightening bolt and you don't have to be directly in the path of the storm. Remember, a lightening bolt can travel as far as ten miles, away from the heart of a storm, and cause a strike. Also, many people don't realize and understand that many lightening strikes, frequently happen, after the main body of the storm has passed and is already over. Stay safe, I'm Captain Joe Bruni and avoid those lightening strikes. We'll see you next time."