LIGHTNING FACTS The average lightning stroke is 6

LIGHTNING FACTS The average lightning stroke is 6 miles long. The average thunderstorm is 6 -10 miles wide. The average thunderstorm travels at a rate of 25 mph.

LIGHTNING FACTS Important You are in danger from lightning if you can hear thunder.

LIGHTNING AND EARTH When lightning hits the ground nearby, it is ‘grounded’ and I am safe.

HOW MANY FLASHES ARE THERE • Cloud-to-ground • More than one ground strike point • Cloud flashes

WHAT IS THUNDER • • • Air Heated Rapid expansion/contraction Sound Waves Strikes Close By Strikes Farther Away Duration

SAFETY AWARENESS • Things you can do to avoid becoming a lightning static: – Plan Ahead – Group Activity – Nearest Shelter – Take Action

FLASH TO BANG • The flash to bang method is used to estimate lightning from your location. • Divide the number of seconds by five (5) to get the distance the lightning is away from you. • Example: If you see lightning and it takes 10 seconds before you hear thunder, then the lightning is 2 miles away from you (10 divided by 5 =2 miles)

SPORTS Outdoor sport activities are one of the worst for lightning victims such as: Soccer Baseball Golf

LIGHTING SAFETY FOR OUTDOOR ATHLETIC EVENTS • • Responsible person Suspension and resumption Unsafe shelter areas Lightning’s electric field

WORK RELATED Construction work is rated as the number #1 job for lightning victims.

CONCLUSION