Lightning Safety Tips

There is no safe place outdoors during a thunderstorm. The National Weather Service has come up with a rule that is easy to remember: When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors! Don’t waste time; get to a safe place. A slow response to lightning danger leads to many of the lightning related deaths and injuries. Mosaic Insurance in Prescott wants you to stay safe this summer. Summer is the time of year when lightning strikes the most.

Plan your day, so that your outdoor activities take place in the morning. Listen to the weather forecast for any outdoor area you will visit, it’s likely to be different than the one in your area. Thunderstorms in the Prescott area develop in the afternoon. If you are outside, do the best that you can to get to a safe building. If it’s impossible here are some tips to remember:

•    Avoid open fields, the top of a hill, or ridge.
•    Stay away from tall trees or other tall objects. If you’re in a forest, stay near a lower strand of trees.
•    If you’re in a group, spread out, avoiding current from traveling between group members.
•    If you are camping, set up in a valley, ravine or other low area. A tent offers NO protection from lightning.
•    Stay away from water, tall isolated trees, ropes and metal objects, fences and poles. Water and metal not attract lightning, but they do conduct electricity.

The best way for you to protect yourself from lightning is to avoid it. Monitor weather conditions and find safe protection from a thunderstorm. Have a lightning safety plan, and cancel or postpone outdoor activities if you are aware of thunderstorm warnings.  Substantial buildings and hard-topped vehicles are safe options. Rain shelters, small sheds, and open vehicles are not safe.

Mosaic Insurance in Prescott doesn’t want you to be caught outside in a storm and we hope you found our tips useful. The long awaited Monsoons will bring weather patterns that we all enjoy - just remember to enjoy them safely. Remember to make sure all your insurance coverage is up to date. You can do that by giving us a call 928-458-7374

Posted to: Insurance