Story Created:
Feb 7, 2013 at 10:49 PM EDT
Story Updated:
Feb 7, 2013 at 10:49 PM EDT
Lightning is a leading cause of weather-related deaths in Georgia, claiming 26 lives from 1995 to 2010.
This week marks Severe Weather Awareness Week in central Georgia. Many people in the area ask why we observe severe weather awareness week in February. It's a simple answer - not only is severe weather possible year round, but the prime opportunity for severe weather occurs in the Spring and Summer months, which are just a few weeks away. Now is the time to prepare.
Severe Weather Awareness Week provides a great chance to learn about severe weather, actions to take when severe weather strikes and review your families preparedness plan.
Here is the week's schedule:
Monday - Family Preparedness
Tuesday - Thunderstorm Safety
Wednesday - Tornado Safety (Tornado Drill)
Thursday - Lightning Safety
Friday - Flooding
As noted above, Thursday's topic is Lightning Safety.
Lightning is a leading cause of weather-related deaths in Georgia, claiming 26 lives from 1995 to 2010.
A single lightning bolt can be as hot as 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit. That's hotter than the surface of the sun!
To avoid danger, you can follow a simple rule: When thunder roars, go indoors! If you can hear thunder, you are in danger of being struck by lightning, even if you didn't see the actual lightning bolt.
If you are outside, get inside a building or vehicle as quickly as possible.
As a reminder, you should strongly consider purchasing a NOAA Weather Radio so that you will have a way to be notified immediately when watches and warnings are issued. Through a partnership with WGXA and Midland Weather Radios, you can purchase a great NOAA Weather Radio at any Walgreen's stores in central Georgia.
For more information on lightning safety, consider visiting this website from the National Weather Service: http://www.srh.noaa.gov/ffc/?n=swaw_ltg
We'll discuss flooding safety on Friday.
Most Popular