When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors

Alabama is no stranger to severe weather. In fact, it can happen any month of the year and any time, day or night. To help you prepare, The University of Alabama is offering information on severe weather and safety tips during Severe Weather Awareness Week, Feb. 22 – 26.

In the U.S., about 100,000 thunderstorms occur each year, and while only about 10% are severe, it’s important to remember that all thunderstorms can be dangerous.

According to the National Weather Service, about 25 million cloud-to-ground lightning strikes occur in the U.S. each year. Lightning occurs with all thunderstorms and is very dangerous. The average lightning strike has enough energy to light a 100-watt bulb for three months. The air near a lightning strike is heated to nearly 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit, which is hotter than the surface of the sun. Lightning strikes kill about 50 people per year in the U.S.

The best way to protect yourself from lightning is to remember when thunder roars, go indoors. If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning. No place outside is safe when a thunderstorm is in the area.

A sturdy building is the safest place to be during a thunderstorm. If you shelter with people who are not in your household, wear a mask and maintain a distance of at least six feet between yourself and others.

Protect your electrical devices by unplugging them during a thunderstorm. Don’t take a bath, shower or wash dishes during a thunderstorm, as lightning can travel through plumbing. Also, avoid using landline telephones as electricity can travel through phone lines.

If you are caught outdoors, take shelter in a vehicle with a metal top and sides, but avoid touching the metal. If a vehicle is not available, seek cover on low ground with clumps of bushes. Remove objects that may contain metal like baseball caps. Place your feet together, duck your head, and crouch down low on your knees. Stay away from all outdoor metal objects like flagpoles, fences, and light poles. Avoid trees, water, open fields and high ground.

For more severe weather safety tips, visit the Office of Emergency Management’s website, download the UA Safety app for iOS and Android devices or listen to 92.5 FM UA Info Radio.

Learn more about lightning safety.