From June to August, Florida experiences its lightning season. In fact, Central Florida is one of the most susceptible areas for lightning in the country. According to TC Palm, this is the cause of more lightning-related deaths than any other state in the United States. This sparks the question of how to stay safe in the Summer lightning season. Here are a few tips to ensure optimal safety.
Avoid Dangerous Activities
Leisure boating, camping, fishing, golfing, and beach days aren’t usually cause for concern when taking the proper health and safety precautions. However, they can be quite dangerous activities to partake in during a storm. Between 2006 and 2021, such activities accounted for nearly two-thirds of lightning-related deaths, according to the CDC.
It is advised to avoid these activities until the threat has passed and to stay on top of the latest weather forecasts. Properly monitoring them for any changes and heeding their possible weather advisories and warnings is also recommended. One small change in your plans may save your life; while it may be disappointing at the time, it is worth it.
If you are already enjoying a round of golf, for example, when a storm rolls in, the safest place to find shelter is inside an enclosed vehicle or sturdy building to make sure you are fully disconnected from the outside air. The weather can quickly change drastically with little to no warning. If you find yourself caught outdoors during a lightning storm in Florida, or see lightning/hear thunder, seek shelter immediately.
Bolts From The Blue
In Florida, thunderstorms can produce what are called “bolts from the blue”. These are one of the most dangerous types of cloud-to-ground lightning strikes as they occur far away from the actual storm. Some have been documented to travel over 25 miles away from the thunderstorm cloud. It’s even possible for them to happen in clear skies.
Take Advantage of Lightning Prediction Warning Systems
Trusted lightning prediction warning systems can make all the difference in ensuring one’s safety even before a storm or lightning is present. For example, THOR GUARD’s TG 360 offers entirely new detection technology. Combined with faster atmospheric data acquisition and proven algorithms for all storm predictions, our customers have never been happier.
It offers an on-site weather station and national radar (including lightning prediction and detection that works regardless of whether the internet or power goes down). Along with a 3-year assembly warranty with lifetime software upgrades, it’s the latest technology of a long line of trusted products that we are proud to provide.
Extra Summer Lightning Season Safety Tips
There are a few other safety tips to keep in mind both in and outside of a safe shelter:
- Do not use anything connected to an electrical outlet (computers, televisions, appliances, other technology).
- Stay away from windows and doors, and stay away from the shower/other plumbing. (Do not take a shower, do laundry, or even wash your hands).
- Calling loved ones or emergency services may be necessary; do so with a cordless phone or cell phone. Do not use a corded phone.
- If sheltering in a concrete building, avoid leaning on the walls/floors and lightning can travel through them
- If you’re unable to leave a boat, seek shelter in a cabin or at least stay as low as possible.
- Stay clear of high peaks, exposed ridges, and terrain with shorelines or the edges of forests/fields.
- Avoid long conductors- railroad tracks, cables, fences, wet ropes.
Stay Safe This Summer!
By following these tips, you can stay safe in the summer lightning season, even in areas that are known for having more extreme and frequent storms. For more information on the life-saving lightning prediction systems offered by Thor Guard, contact us today! Please leave a message directly on our website or email us at sales@thorguard.com. You may also call us at 954-835-0900.
