Be Aware: 



Protection During Lightning Storms 



George Cook 



Extension Maple Specialist, University of Vermont 



Lightning is a random and unpredictable event. 

 Lightning strikes may generate electrical current 

 levels that exceed 400 kA, temperauires that reach 

 50,000°F and hit at speeds approaching one-third the 

 speed of light. Globally, some 2,000 ongoing 

 thunderstorms cause about 100 lightning strikes to 

 earth each second. Lightning causes more than 26,000 

 fires annually in the United States with damage to 

 property in excess of $5 to 6 billion, according to the 

 National Lightning Safety Institute. 



Thunderstorms and lightning are most likely to 

 develop on hot, humid days. Lightning is a frequent 

 weather hazard impacting outdoor recreation and 

 farm-work situations. If lightning is seen or heard, take 

 protective action immediately. Being prepared can 

 reduce the risk of the lightning hazard and raise safet>' 

 levels. 



Lightning Safety for Outdoor Workers 



If you can see lightning or hear thunder, activate 

 your safety plan. Resume activities only when 

 lightning and thunder have not been observed for 30 

 minutes. 



Advance planning is the single most important 

 means to lightning safety. The following steps may 

 help avoid injury. Designate a responsible person to 

 monitor weather conditions. An inexpensive portable 

 weather radio will provide regular weather condition 

 updates. An emergency procedure should include: 

 suspending activities, moving people to safety, 

 monitoring conditions, then resuming activities. 

 Identify safe locations beforehand. These include 

 fully enclosed metal vehicles with windows up or 



substantial and pemianent buildings. Unsafe areas 

 include small structures, including huts and rain 

 shelters, and nearby metallic objects like fences, gates, 

 instrumentation, electrical equipment, wires and 

 power poles. Also avoid trees, water, open fields, and 

 using the (hard wired) telephone and headsets. 



If outdoors, avoid water, high ground, and open 

 spaces, get off farm machinery, get out of the water if 

 you are swimming or boating, and avoid all metal 

 objects including electric wires, fences, motors, power 

 tools, clotheslines, metal pipes, rails, etc. Unsafe 

 places include underneath canopies, small picnic or 

 rain shelters, or near trees. However, standing under a 

 group of trees, shorter than others in the area, is better 

 than being in the open. 



Put down any object that might conduct 

 electricity, such as a rake, hoe, or shovel. Seek low 

 ground, preferably a ditch or gully. If you are outside 

 with no protection, get to a low spot. Make your body 

 low to the ground, but do not lie flat on the earth. Learn 

 the Lightning Safety Crouch. If hopelessly isolated 

 from shelter during close-in lightning, adopt a low 

 crouching position with feel together and hands on 

 ears. If lightning is striking nearby when you are 

 outside, you should assume the Lightning Safety 

 Crouch. 



Avoid proximity (minimum of 15 feet) to other 

 people. If there is a group of people, spread out. If 

 someone feels his or her hair stand on end, it may mean 

 lightning is about to strike. Stay calm and keep low. 

 This will help reduce your chances of being struck by 

 lightning. 



If indoors, avoid water, stay away from doors and 

 windows, do not use the telephone, and take off 



Copynght©2002 by Moose River Publishing Company. Reprinted with permission from Fanning, The Journal of 

 Northeast Agriculture, Volume 5. Number 9 (September). 2002, p. 15. For subscription information, call Moose River 

 Publishing Company at (800) 422-7147 or write to Farming, The Journal of Northeast Agriculture, P.O. Box 449. St. 

 Johnsbury. VT 05819-9929. 



26 



Fruit Notes, Volume 68, Spring, Summer, & Fall, 2003 



