Lightning

 Lightning has always been something that's scared me. Its unpredictable, its deadly, and it can hit you even when it's not raining.

I saw a video on the weather channel that I had to share. Lightning striking near the white house. 

4 people were hurt by this lightning strike. 2 have since died and 2 are in critical condition in the hospital. Lightning is dangerous! I've been caught more times than I can count while out on a run in a thunderstorm. One time was just last week. A pop up storm out of nowhere. I picked up my pace a bit and started looking for shelter. Of all places I wound up in a graveyard where they had a mausoleum type thing you could go inside. So, that is where I rode out the storm for the next half hour.

Lightning is truly terrifying. My heart goes out to those 4 people. I want everyone to be as safe as possible when it comes to storms. So, I think now is a good time to share some lightning safety reminders.

Lightning: What You Need to Know

NO PLACE outside is safe when thunderstorms are in the area!!

If you hear thunder, lightning is close enough to strike you.

When you hear thunder, immediately move to safe shelter: a substantial building with electricity or plumbing or an enclosed, metal-topped vehicle with windows up.

Stay in safe shelter at least 30 minutes after you hear the last sound of thunder.

Indoor Lightning Safety

Stay off corded phones, computers and other electrical equipment that put you in direct contact with electricity.

Avoid plumbing, including sinks, baths and faucets.

Stay away from windows and doors, and stay off porches.

Do not lie on concrete floors, and do not lean against concrete walls.

Last Resort Outdoor Risk Reduction Tips

If you are caught outside with no safe shelter anywhere nearby the following actions may reduce your risk:

Immediately get off elevated areas such as hills, mountain ridges or peaks

Never lie flat on the ground

Never shelter under an isolated tree

Never use a cliff or rocky overhang for shelter

Immediately get out and away from ponds, lakes and other bodies of water

Stay away from objects that conduct electricity (barbed wire fences, power lines, windmills, etc.)