| AUSTIN
– The Division of Emergency Management, Texas Department of Public
Safety urges Texans to take precautions during lightning storms because
lightning is the second most common cause of weather-related deaths in
the state, after flooding. Here are some important tips to protect yourself
and your family.
Lightning tends to strike tall objects as well as metal objects, and can
travel through moist soils for dozens of feet. Move into a sturdy building
and stay away from windows and doors. For increased protection, avoid
electric appliances or metal plumbing. Stay off the telephone.
If you are outside, the interior of a car, truck or bus is relatively
safe from lightning. To be safe, do not touch metal on the inside of the
vehicle. The outside bed of a truck is a deadly location. Do not lean
against a car or truck; get inside the vehicle quickly. If you are outdoors
with no shelter available, stay low. Move away from hills and high places,
and avoid tall, isolated trees. Do not touch metal objects, such as tennis
rackets, baseball bats or golf clubs. Do not ride bicycles, or lean against
fences or metal sheds. If you feel your hair suddenly stand on end, it
means you may be a lightning target. Crouch low on the balls of your feet
and try not to touch the ground with your knees or hands. Avoid wet areas
that can conduct the lightning charge.
For more information on Severe
Weather Awareness, see the Division of Emergency
Management Web site: http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem/pages/index.htm |
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