It’s summertime in Alabama and that means afternoon thunderstorms. Lightning occurs with all thunderstorms and is very dangerous.
Lightning is one of the leading causes of weather-related fatalities. From 2009-2018, lightning caused an average of 27 deaths per year in the United States. In 2019, Alabama had the second most lightning deaths only trailing Florida and Texas which were tied for first.
What to do if you are outdoors:
- If the weather forecast calls for thunderstorms, postpone your outdoor activities.
- Remember: When thunder roars, go indoors. Find a safe, enclosed shelter. No place outside is safe when thunderstorms are in the area.
- Practice the 30-30 rule. After you see lightning, start counting to 30. If you hear thunder before you reach 30, go indoors. Suspend outdoor activities for at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder.
- If no shelter is available, crouch low with as little of your body touching the ground as possible. Lightning causes electric currents along the top of the ground that can be deadly over 100 feet away.
- Stay away from isolated tall trees, towers or utility poles. Lightning tends to strike taller objects.
- Stay away from metal conductors such as wires or fences. Lightning can travel long distances through metal.
What to do if you are indoors:
- Stay off corded phones, computers and other electrical equipment that put you in direct contact with electricity.
- Avoid plumbing during a thunderstorm, including sinks, baths and faucets.
- Stay away from windows and doors and stay off porches.
- Do not lie on a concrete floor or lean against a concrete wall.
Learn more about lightning safety by visiting the National Weather Service’s website or watching this video.
For more severe weather safety tips, visit the Office of Emergency Management’s website, download the UA Safety app or listen to 92.5 FM UA Info Radio.
Safety Reminder: UA Alert System Test
Weather permitting, the University will test its emergency notification systems, including UA Alerts, the public address system and digital signage, Wednesday, July 7, at 11:55 a.m.