OUR VIEW: This week is Lightning Safety Week

Published 10:30 am Tuesday, June 21, 2022

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Tuesday is the first day of summer, and temperatures are going to be in the 90s all week. On Thursday, we could even hit triple digits.

We could really use some rain — or at least some clouds — to cool things off. If you’re outside this week, make sure you drink plenty of water. Heat exhaustion can hit quickly.

But believe or not, in the middle of all this heat, this is actually Lightning Safety Week.

The National Weather Service in Peachtree City is reminding people that if they “see a flash, dash inside.”

You don’t need to wait for rain to seek shelter. If you see lightning, you are close enough to be struck. Lightning can strike from up to 10 miles away. It’s recommended you take shelter in an enclosed building or a hard-topped vehicle with the windows up.

According to the National Weather Service, lightning kills about 20 people per year and hundreds more are injured.

We’ve had some crazy thunderstorms roll through in recent weeks, with plenty of lightning, so this feels like a good time to remind yourself of the dangers of lightning.

If you see a strike, get inside. Lightning is not something to play around with.