headsets. Postpone baths, showers, and doing dishes 

 until the storm passes. Turn off, unplug, and stay away 

 from appliances, computers, power tools, and TV sets. 

 Lightning may strike exterior electric and phone lines, 

 inducing shocks to inside equipment. Computers 

 should be surge protected. Suspend activities for 30 

 minutes after the last observed lightning or thunder. 



Lightning-caused Hazards 



Do not touch fallen wires. Report them to police or 

 local utility immediately. If an appliance or tool 

 catches fire, try to unplug it or turn off the current at the 

 fuse box. Donot pour water on the fire. Use a Class C 

 fire extinguisher, or throw baking soda on the fire. 

 Before it gets out of control, call the local fire 

 department and get everyone outside. 



First Aid for Lightning Victims 



People who have been struck by lightning do not 

 carry an electrical charge and are safe to handle. Apply 

 first aid immediately, if you are qualified to do so. Call 

 911, or send for help immediately. 



Besides bums, lightning can also cause ner\ous 



system damage, broken bones, and loss of hearing or 

 eyesight. Victims may experience confusion and 

 memory loss. First aid for lightning victims needs to 

 be carried out immediately. After the lightning strikes, 

 get to the victim as quickly as possible. Check 

 breathing and pulse, if the victim is unconscious. If the 

 victim has a pulse, but is not breathing, begin mouth- 

 to-mouth resuscitation. If there is no pulse, begin 

 cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Check for 

 other injuries, such as possible fractures. Do not move 

 a suspected spinal-injury victim. Cover the electrical 

 bum with a dry, sterile dressing, but do not cool the 

 bum. There may be more than one bum area, one 

 where the current entered the body and another where 

 it left. Keep the victim from getting chilled until help 

 arrives. If a person stmck by lightning appears only 

 stunned or otherwise unhurt, medical attention may 

 still be needed. Check for bums, especially at fingers 

 and toes, and areas next to buckles and jewelry. Make 

 sure all lightning victims have a medical examination, 

 even if they do not seem to need it. 



Two helpful Web sites are http:// 

 lightninijsafetv.com/nlsi, which is the site for the 

 National Lightning Safety Institute, and www. cdc.gov/ 

 nasd/, the National Ag Safety Database. 



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



27 



