Each year, 180 Canadians are injured due to lightning strikes, and two to three people are killed and Environment and Climate Change Canada is hoping to reduce those numbers.
Lightning Safety Awareness Week runs from June 19th to 25th and ECCC has tips to share in case you find yourself in a thunderstorm.
The first and biggest tip is that if you hear thunder, you are in the range of being struck by lightning. You can prevent this by finding shelter, preferably a house or a car that isn't a convertible. If you aren't able to do that, stay away from any tall objects, such as poles and trees.
Once you're indoors, do your best to stay away from anything that can conduct electricity, such as electrical appliances, doors, and fireplaces. If you're in a car, make sure you're not parked under tall objects that could fall onto the car.
ECCC would like to stress that there is no safe place outside during a thunderstorm. They advise that you wait for 30 minutes after hearing the last crack of thunder before going back outside.
If someone has been struck by lightning, they won't still be charged after the strike, so they can be handled safely, however, they will require immediate medical attention. If you come across someone struck by lightning, call for medical assistance and provide CPR if they aren't breathing.
To learn more about the dangers of Lightning, click here.
Fri, Apr 19, 2:00 PM
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