'When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors'

Two safety campaigns are underway this week, Lightening Safety Week and the
2011 Fire/EMS Safety, Health and Survival Week.

With the official start of summer on Tuesday, June 21, the National Weather Service (NWS) is sponsoring Lightening Safety Week, now through June 25. The campaign is designed to provide safety tips and make you aware of the dangers of lightening, one of the nation’s deadliest weather phenomena.

According to the NWS, more than 400 people are struck by lightning every year in the United States. On average, between 55 and 60 people are killed; hundreds of others suffer permanent neurological disabilities.

But most of these tragedies can be avoided with a few simple precautions. "When thunder roars, go indoors." Get to a safe place when thunderstorms threaten. Lightning safety is an inconvenience that can save your life.

“Lightning is possible many miles away from the nearest thunderhead or rain storm,” Fire Chief Danny Bowman said. “The sound of thunder or the existence of rain is not required for lightning strikes to occur. Lightning Safety Week is an ideal time for residents to review lighting-related safety tips that can help protect themselves and their families.”

Preparedness and precaution are keys to lightning safety. The following safety tips are recommended by the Forsyth County Fire Department and provided by the Georgia Emergency Management Agency and the NWS.

• When thunder roars, go indoors. If you can hear thunder, you are within striking distance of lightning. Seek safe shelter immediately.

• If indoors, avoid corded phones (except in an emergency), computers and other electrical equipment that put you in direct contact with electricity.

• Avoid taking a bath or shower, or running water for any purpose, during a thunderstorm.

• Stop outdoor activities at the first roar of thunder and go to a safe shelter.

• If caught outdoors, find safe shelter in a building or vehicle if possible.

• If outdoors and unable to find shelter, go to a low-lying, open space away from trees, poles or metal objects. Be a very small target – squat low to the ground and place your hands on your knees with your head between them.

•  If you are boating or swimming, go to land and find shelter immediately.

• Wait 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder before going back outside.

• Dial 911 in the event of an emergency.

The second safety event this week encourages all fire/EMS personnel to focus on their own survival on the fire ground through survival training and education.

There is no other call more challenging to fire ground operations than a mayday call--the unthinkable moment when a firefighter’s personal safety is in imminent danger. Firefighter fatality data compiled by the United States Fire Administration has shown that firefighters ‘becoming trapped and disoriented represent
the largest portion of structural fire ground fatalities.’

According to Capt. Jason Shivers with the , its firefighters are participating in Safety Week again this year.

“During Safety Week, all Forsyth County firefighters will be training on the objectives outlined by the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF)," Shivers said. "It is important to note, however, that our daily response will in no way be impacted. Responding to the citizens’ request for assistance will, of course, remain job number one.”

This year's theme “Surviving the Fire Ground: Fire Fighter, Fire Officer & Command Preparedness,” is sponsored by the IAFC and the IAFF, and is underway through June 25.