COLORADO, USA — On average, approximately 500,000 lightning flashes hit the ground in Colorado.
Although the odds of being struck are less than one-in-a-million, there are things people can do to ensure they are safe.
Dr. Jason Kelly from Skyridge Medical Center has the following tips for staying safe during that lightning storm:
If you're outside
- When thunder roars, go indoors. Find a safe, enclosed shelter.
- Don’t forget the 30-30 rule: If you hear thunder within 30 seconds of flash of lightning, go indoors for at least 30 minutes.
- If no shelter is available, crouch low with as little of your body touching the ground as possible.
- Stay away from concrete floors or walls.
If you're inside
- Avoid water during a thunderstorm. Lightning can travel through plumbing.
- Avoid electronic equipment of all types. Lightning can travel through electrical systems and radio and television reception systems.
- Avoid corded phones. Cordless or cellular phones are ok to use.
If someone you know is struck by lightning, get help immediately. Call 911 and tell them exactly where you are located. If the person has stopped breathing or is not conscious, you may need to perform CPR. Know the steps for CPR. And get help immediately.
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