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Hi, my name is Rodney from the Tampa Bay National Weather Service office with some weather awareness
training for 2014. February 24th through the 28th has been designated
as severe weather awareness week for 2014. Here are the topics we will discuss throughout
the week. Let's get started. Florida is the lightning capital of the United
States, with Tampa having the highest density per square mile. In 2013, Florida led the
country with lightning fatalities with 4 deaths. The top left graphic displayed on this slide
show the number of lightning fatalities for each state with Florida leading with over
460 for the past 50 years. The bottom right graphic shows the main reason for these high
rates of lightning fatalities, due to the very high density of cloud to ground strikes.
However, with awareness such as this training, the number of deaths continue to decrease.
In 2013, there were 23 fatalities, when prior to 1974, the rate was much greater averaging
more than 100 each year. So what measures can you take to prevent getting
caught in a thunderstorm and if you are, what can you do?? You can follow these 5 rules:
The number 1 rule when planning outdoor activities should be to first check the forecast. If
the chances of storms are high for that day, it is advisable to make alternate plans.
During the summer months especially, always be weather aware. Keep an eye on the sky,
check local radio weather forecasts and there are several apps with radar data and local
weather warnings available for your smartphone. If you are outside and hear thunder or see
lightning, seek shelter immediately in a closed in shelter or either your vehicle.
If you cannot seek shelter, avoid tall objects, water and any metal objects. Many people think
that hiding under a tree or lying flat on the ground will help you, in fact that is
one of the worst places you could be. Those places increase your chance of getting struck.
If you are swimming, immediately get out of the water and seek shelter. If you're in
a boat, the safest place to be is in a cabin if you have one or the lowest part of the
boat. Remember, do not touch any metal objects. It is also safer to remain stationary at anchor
and wait for the storm to pass. Never try to outrun a storm.
Once again, the safest place to be in a storm is in an enclosed shelter enclosed on all
sides, not a picnic gazebo. However, even in an enclosed shelter, lightning
can still strike and enter the house or building. Remember to stay away from doors and windows.
Avoid using any electronics, phones and do not use any water faucets, showers or baths
during the storm. With lightning injury, statistics' have shown
that only 1 in 10 victims die. The key is to get medical attention as soon as possible.
Remember, electricity does not stay in the person that is struck. It is safe to perform
CPR immediately. On the screen now are some of the lightning
myths and facts. The key to lightning safety is to know the facts.
Visit the website listed here for more extensive training on lightning safety.
This concludes the training on lightning. The next training topic will be on marine
hazards and rip currents.