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Hartselle Enquirer

Dancing with a silent killer

This is the time of year when a pop-up thunderstorm is a common occurrence.  Prompted by heat and humidity, they can develop in a hurry, almost unnoticed, and put us in harm’s way even though they may only produce a few sprinkles of rain.

While it’s the thunder they produce that first grabs our attention, it’s the lightning that comes before that causes the damage.

Perhaps that’s why this week (June 22-28) is being observed nationally as “Lightning Safety Awareness Week.” Sponsored by the Lightning Protection Institute, the observance seeks to educate the public about the danger of being struck by lightning and offers us some advice on steps we can take to protect ourselves.

All it takes to feel the fear of being struck by lightning is to be caught outside in a thunderstorm. It doesn’t matter if you’re working in a field, fishing on a lake. or walking down a street, you know its time to take cover when you can feel the hair standing up on the nape of your neck.

Lightning is the second leading cause of storm-related deaths in the U.S., taking the lives of 28 people in 2014. In fact, 85 percent of it victims are children and young men ages 10 to 35.

Three weeks ago lightning struck and killed a 70-yerar-old man in Florida as he was picking blueberries.

To prevent death on injury from lightning, the Lightning Protection Institute advises the following:

•If you are outside when a thunderstorm approaches, immediately seek shelter in a fully enclosed building

•If a building is not available, take shelter in a car with a metal top and keep doors and windows closed:

•During thunderstorms, avoid lakes, beaches, open water, fishing from boat or dock, and riding in golf carts, farm equipment, motorcycles or bicycles

•If caught outdoors, minimize your risk by going to a place of lower elevation. Never seek shelter under a tree.

The National Weather Service suggests staying indoors if you see lightning and hear thunder within 30 seconds.

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