Maryland District 7: My Site News
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District 7 Policy on Thunderstorms
District 7 Policy on Thunderstorms
If you hear thunder or see a flash of lightning, no matter how far away you think it is, you will immediately stop all activities and direct everyone to get to SAFE SHELTER, either a SAFE BUILDING or a SAFE VEHICLE. Everyone will remain under shelter for a minimum of 30 minutes after the last thunder or lightning event. Every time thunder is heard or lightning is seen, the 30-minute clock starts over.
For all facilities with Lightning Detectors- When activity is less than 20 miles from your site,direct everyone to get to SAFE SHELTER, either a SAFE BUILDING or a SAFE VEHICLE. Everyone will remain under shelter for a minimum of 30 minutes after the last activity within 20 miles has been observed. .
Safe Buildings
A safe building is one that is fully enclosed with a roof, walls and floor, such as a home, school, office building or a shopping center. Even inside, you should take precautions. Picnic shelters, dugouts, sheds and other partially open or small structures are NOT safe. Enclosed buildings are safe because of wiring and plumbing. If lightning strikes these types of buildings, or an outside telephone pole, the electrical current from the flash will typically travel through the wiring or the plumbing into the ground. Stay away from showers, sinks, hot tubs, etc., and electronic equipment such as TVs, radios, and computers.
Unsafe Buildings
Examples of buildings which are unsafe include car ports, covered but open garages, covered patio, picnic shelters, beach shacks/pavilions, golf shelters, camping tents, large outdoor tents, baseball dugouts and other small buildings such as sheds and greenhouses that do not have electricity or plumbing.
Safe Vehicle
A safe vehicle is a hard-topped car, SUV, minivan, bus, tractor, etc. (soft-topped convertibles are not safe). If you seek shelter in your vehicle, make sure all doors are closed and windows rolled up. Do not touch any metal surfaces. If you're driving when a thunderstorm starts, pull off the roadway. A lightning flash hitting the vehicle could startle you and cause temporary blindness, especially at night.
