Town of Oyster Bay Public Safety Department offers lightning safety tips

As summertime across the Town of Oyster Bay goes into full swing, Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and the Town’s Department of Public Safety has partnered up to issue important safety tips to residents regarding one of the nation’s deadliest weather phenomena – lightning.

To ensure safety over the course of the summer season as more people spend time outdoors, the following is recommended.

• If one can hear thunder, they are within striking distance. They should seek shelter immediately.
• The safest location during a thunderstorm is inside a large enclosed structure with plumbing and electrical wiring. If no buildings are available, then an enclosed metal vehicle would be a suitable alternative. 
• Most type of buildings or vehicles are safe during thunderstorms, although buildings with exposed sides are NOT safe.
• When inside a building during a thunderstorm, do not use corded phones, as it is one of the leading causes of indoor lightning injuries.
• Stay away from windows and doors, as it is best to be in an interior room during a thunderstorms.
• Don’t touch electrical equipment or cords, as any device that uses electricity is susceptible to a lightning strike. Consider unplugging certain appliances or electronics before the storm arrives, as a typical surge protector will do little to protect the device or user if lightning should strike.
• Avoid plumbing, as metal plumbing and the water inside are both good conductors of electricity.
• Refrain from touching concrete surfaces; lightning can travel through metal wires or bars in concrete walls and flooring.
• If inside a vehicle, roll up the windows and avoid contact with any conducting paths.

“While lightning may receive less attention than other weather phenomena because it does not result in mass casualty or destruction like tornadoes, floods, or hurricanes, it is important to remember that each year about 25 million lightning strikes occur in the United States, and over the last 30 years, the United States has averaged 51 lightning fatalities per year,” Saladino said. “While direct lightning strikes may not be common, when they do occur, over 90 percent of victims will cope with varying degrees of discomfort and disability; sometimes for the rest of their lives. So, quite simply, when thunder roars, it’s best to go indoors.”