Fire rescue makes runs to numerous lightning strikes

Home

Sports Briefs

Other Sun Publications

FREE DELIVERY!
Get Free Delivery! Request your Osceola News Gazette Today.

Login Form

2013 Osceola Health

2013 Sexual Predator Sexual Offender List sexualpredatorcover13

Windows on the Classroom March 2013

School Calendar
2012-2013

View our other Special Sections

Fire rescue makes runs to numerous lightning strikes

Around Osceola

Wednesday, 07 July 2010 00:00

St. Cloud Fire Rescue responded to nine lightning-strike calls from June 16-22; four of the incidents resulted in fires that caused an estimated $23,000 in damages.
“The possible damage could have been close to $500,000 if not for the homeowners’ quick actions in calling 911 and the quick response by Fire Rescue personnel,” St. Cloud Fire Marshal David Ennis said. “If you smell smoke or suspect a fire in your home after a lightning strike, or at any other time, please do not hesitate to notify us. A fire can smolder in the attic or walls hours before it is noticeable and then will result in a greater loss.”
All thunderstorms bring a chance of lightning. The National Lightning Safety Institute recommends the following safety tips:
• Plan in advance evacuation and safety measures. When lightning is first seen or thunder is first heard, the emergency plan should be activated. This is the time to go to a building or a vehicle. Lightning often precedes rain, so do not wait for the rain to begin before suspending activities.
• If outdoors, avoid water, high ground, open spaces, and all metal objects including electrical wires, fences, machinery, motors and power tools. Unsafe places include underneath canopies, small picnic or rain shelters, and areas near trees. When possible, find shelter in a substantial building or in a fully enclosed metal vehicle, such as a car, truck, or van with the windows completely shut. If lightning is striking nearby when outside, crouch down, put feet together, and place hands over ears to minimize hearing damage from thunder. Avoid proximity to other people – a minimum of 15 feet.
• If indoors, avoid water, stay away from doors and windows, do not use the telephone, take off headsets, and turn off, unplug, and stay away from all appliances, computers, power tools and television sets. Lightning may strike exterior electric and phone lines, inducing shocks to inside equipment.
• Suspend activities for 30 minutes after the last observed lightning or thunder heard.
• Injured persons do not carry an electrical charge and can be handled safely. Apply first-aid procedures to a lightning victim if qualified to do so. Call 911 or send for help immediately.
• Know your emergency telephone numbers.
• Teach this safety slogan: “If you can see it, flee it; if you can hear it, clear it.”
For more details on lightning safety, call 407-957-8484.