Lightning Storms

Lightning and thunderstorms can provide a beautiful exhilarating show, but don’t be foolish, such storms can be dangerous.  You need to be aware and prepared for such events.  As with any natural hazard, the best form of protection is being ready for it and knowing what is coming.  Checking the Environment Canada website; watching your local weather station or listening to your radio for updates are ways of staying up to date with what your area can expect.  You should also be aware of the following:

Lightning occurs when the air becomes charged with electricity during a thunderstorm.

Bolts of lightning travel at about 40,000 kilometres per second.

Thunderstorms are often accompanied by high winds, hail, lightning, heavy rain and tornadoes.

Thunderstorms are usually over within an hour, although a series of thunderstorms can last for several hours.

Preparing for severe storms

Be prepared for possible power outages resulting from the storm.  Have your emergency kit ready and available.

If a severe storm is forecast, secure everything that might be blown around or torn loose – indoors and outdoors. Flying objects such as garbage cans and lawn furniture can injure people and damage property.

Trim dead branches and cut down dead trees to reduce the danger of these falling onto your house during a storm.

If you are indoors

Do not go outside.

Stay well away from windows, doors, fireplaces, radiators, stoves, metal pipes, sinks and any other conductive material.

Unplug televisions, radios, toasters and other appliances.

You can use a cellular telephone during a severe storm, but it's not safe to use a land-line telephone.  Do not use any electrical appliances.

You may want to go to the sheltered area that you and your family chose for your emergency plan.

If you are outdoors

Take shelter in a building or ditch.

If you are in an open area, do not lie down.

Kneel down with your feet touching and keep your head down so that the smallest possible lightning path is created through your body.

Stay well away from power lines, telephone cables, fences, trees, and raised areas.

Avoid using a bicycle, a motorbike or a tractor.

Cover your ears to protect your hearing from thunder.

Do not touch any metal objects.

Never go out in a boat during a storm. If you are on the water and you see bad weather approaching, head for shore immediately. Always check the marine forecast before leaving for a day of boating and listen to weather reports during your cruise.

Stop the car well away from trees and power lines and stay inside

On a farm, generally, the effects of severe storms on livestock are lessened by moving animals to avoid the storm; mitigating the storm's effect if it cannot be avoided; or sheltering the animals, ensuring they have access to food and water.