Lightning Safety Week Begins - WALB.com, Albany News, Weather, Sports

Lightning Safety Week Begins

Posted: Updated:
  • More WALB News10 HeadlinesMore News Headlines

  • Saturday, May 25 2013 7:30 AM EDT2013-05-25 11:30:07 GMT
    Albany Engineer K. Bruce Maples, P. E. announced some road closures Thursday morning. Beginning at 6:00 A.M., Saturday, May 25, 2013, the following streets will be closed for the Spring Fest and SB
    Albany Engineer K. Bruce Maples, announced some road closures beginning at 6:00 A.M., Saturday, May 25, 2013, in downtown Albany.
  • Friday, May 24 2013 10:55 PM EDT2013-05-25 02:55:46 GMT
    Not going out of town for Memorial Day? Don't worry, the Albany Panthers want to make sure you have a good weekend as they host their first ever beer fest. You can sample more than 20 types of beer Saturday
    Not going out of town for Memorial Day? Don't worry, the Albany Panthers want to make sure you have a good weekend as they host their first ever beer fest.
  • Friday, May 24 2013 10:50 PM EDT2013-05-25 02:50:57 GMT
    The family of a Miller County woman is mourning tonight after GBI investigators say the 58 year old was murdered by her husband, before he took his own life. Now the family of Barbara Bass is speaking
    The family of a Miller County woman is mourning tonight after GBI investigators say the 58 year old was murdered by her husband, before he took his own life.

In 2010 Georgia led the nation with the highest number of lightning-related deaths.

The National Weather Service says lightning is the number three weather-related killer in the Georgia.

And Sunday, June 24 marks the first day of lightning safety week. 

Officials are urging folks to be aware of what to do before severe weather strikes.

Remember, if you can hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning and should seek shelter.

More tips:

  • If a storm does approach, find shelter in a sturdy building or hard top automobile. Keep all windows closed.
  • If you are caught outside and cannot find shelter, go to a low-lying, open place away from trees, poles, or metal objects. Make sure the place you pick is not subject to flooding.
  • Telephone lines and metal pipes can conduct electricity. Unplug appliances. Avoid using a landline telephone or any electrical appliances.
  • Avoid taking a bath or shower, or running water for any purpose. Plumbing and bathroom fixtures can conduct electricity.
  • Draw blinds and shades over windows. If windows break due to objects blown by the wind, the shades will help prevent glass from shattering into your home.
  • Turn off the air conditioner. Power surges from lightning can overload the compressor, resulting in a costly repair job.
  • Is someone is struck by lightning, they carry no electrical charge and can be handled safely. Call 9-1-1 or your local Emergency Medical Services (EMS) number.

 For more information:  http://www.ready.ga.gov/

 

Copyright 2012 WALB.  All rights reserved.