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Lightning
According to the National Center for Health Statistics, lightning kills about 150 Americans each year and injures another 250. Lightning causes property losses about $150 million annually nationwide. At any given moment there are an estimated 1,800 thunderstorms over the earth's surface and lightning strikes the earth 100 times per second.
When a thunderstorm threatens, get inside a home or large building or inside an all-metal vehicle not a convertible. Get out of the water and off small boats. Stay in your car if you are traveling. Cars offer excellent lightning protection.
Inside the home, avoid using the telephone, except for emergencies, lightning can travel through the phone lines. This does not apply to cellular phones.
Put down golf clubs and get to the nearest shelter. Do not stand under a tree. Lightning will strike at the tallest object in the area.
In open areas, go to a low place such as a ravine or valley. Be aware of the possibility of flash flooding.
This page was last updated on: 01/02/2007
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