Lightning Strikes--When to Head for Safety
By: Megan Hunter
Updated: July 23, 2012
Storms in Dothan and across the country remind us of the dangers of lightning.
It strikes without warning and can be deadly.
But do you know when to head in, before it's too late?
ABC 33/40 meteorologist James Spann weighed in.
"Lightning kills more people than
tornados and floods. It's the number one killer. It doesn't do it in masses
like the tornado deaths, it typically does it one at a time. But it's dangerous
stuff," he said.
His motto: when thunder roars, go indoors.
"So many people wait until it is raining, and that is very dangerous," he said. "So if you can hear thunder, you're close enough to be hit by lightning."
Captain Sean Gipson, an EMT in Dothan, said finding any place with four walls is a safe bet.
"Things like the dugout or any batting cages that are opened up are not safe. Completely enclosed places like the restrooms or your vehicle. That'd be your best option," said Gipson.
Experts also say to be careful around indoor appliances during thunderstorms, as lightning can hit the house and come through things like phones or countertops to harm you.
