Teach your child the dangers of lightning

Lightning kills about 80 people and injures hundreds more each year in the United States, according to the National Weather Service. Most of these accidents occur during the summer months when the combination of lightning and outdoor activities reaches a peak.

To avoid injury, teach your family these safety rules.

When outside

• Postpone outdoor activities and go inside if thunderstorms are approaching. This is the best way to avoid being caught in a dangerous situation.
• Move to a sturdy building. Do not take shelter in small sheds, under isolated trees or in convertible automobiles. Stay away from tall objects such as towers, fences, telephone poles and power lines.
• If a sturdy shelter is not available, get inside a hard top automobile and keep the windows up. Avoid touching any metal.
• If a vehicle is not available, find a low spot away from trees, fences and poles. Make sure the place you pick is not subject to flooding.
• If you are in the woods, take shelter under the shorter trees.
• If you are boating or swimming, get to land and find shelter immediately.
• If you feel your skin tingle or your hair stand on end, squat low to the ground on the balls of your feet. Place your hands over your ears and your head between your knees. Make yourself the smallest target possible and minimize your contact with the ground. Do not lie down.

When inside

• Stay away from windows and doors.
• Avoid contact with anything that conducts electricity. Utility lines can conduct electricity. Unplug appliances not necessary for obtaining weather information. Avoid using electrical appliances or the telephone (unless it is cordless).
• Metal pipes also can conduct electricity. Do not take a bath or shower during a thunderstorm.