Don’t mess around when it comes to thunder and lightning

Don’t mess around when it comes to thunder and lightning


Oh, the joys of summer.

Campfires and s’mores, carefree days of bike riding for kids, trips to the beach and … lightning.

Thunderstorms are more frequent in summer, making them the party pooper that can end all these fun summer activities by sending everyone inside.

As much of a drag as it may be, paying heed to lightning and its precursor, thunder, is key to making sure your summer merriment doesn’t end for good.

Everyone knows lightning is dangerous, but do you know what it does to the body? The enormous jolt of electricity that is a lightning bolt has serious negative effects on the heart and the nervous system. Both depend on electrical signals in the body to function. A lightning strike disrupts the normal electrical signals that keep your heart beating and your nerves and brain working normally.

Many lightning strikes are fatal. In 2013, 23 people died of lightning strikes in the United States, according to the National Weather Service.

Amazingly, some people do survive being hit by lightning. Those who do can suffer long-term damage. Personality changes, memory problems and chronic pain are just some of the hardships a lightning strike can cause.

To avoid being struck, abide by this simple rule from the National Weather Service: When thunder roars, go indoors. Thunder is actually caused by lightning and the way the electricity interacts with the air. However, sometimes you may hear thunder but not be in a position to see the lighting that caused it. And there’s no telling where lightning will strike next. Experts say if you hear thunder while outside, you are close enough to be hit by the next lightning bolt.

No use trying to find a safe spot outdoors. Just get inside as fast as possible.

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