Georgia Power offers safety tips to protect against lightning strikes

In the month of June this year there were 107,117 flashes of lightning in the state of Georgia. Each flash can have multiple lightning bolts in it, which means that there were more than 300,000 individual strokes of lightning in June, according to Georgia Power statistics.

Each lightning strike represents the potential for damage to property, fire or personal injury. In fact, every year 75 to 100 people die, and 10 times more are injured, in the United States as the result of being struck by lightning.

While lightning is unpredictable, there are safety precautions that can be taken to minimize the risk of being struck by lightning.

Georgia Power urges everyone to follow these simple safety guidelines:

  • Use the 30/30 rule to determine if you are safe in a thunderstorm. When you see lightning, count the seconds (one Mississippi, two Mississippi) until you hear thunder, if it is 30 seconds or less, immediately seek indoor shelter. Stay under shelter for 30 minutes after you see the last lightning flash.

  • Many lightning injuries are related to outdoor sports such as soccer, golf, or softball, which are played in open spaces. When playing outdoor sports always have a plan for seeking shelter in the event of lightning.

  • Safe shelter is considered to be indoors. For golf courses, softball fields or soccer fields, this would be a clubhouse or locker room or in some cases a concession stand. A metal-topped vehicle with the windows up is the next best place.

  • Stay away from open spaces and trees during a thunderstorm.

  • Stay away from water, metal fences and utility lines during a thunderstorm.

  • Always seek safe shelter. However, if you are stuck outside crouch down into a ball on the balls of your feet. The idea is to become the smallest target possible with the least contact with the ground.

  • In your home, do not use a corded phone during a thunderstorm as lightning can come through the phone line. Cell phones or cordless phones are better, but be sure to stand away from the cordless phone’s base.

  • Plumbing is also a conduit for electricity. Avoid using sinks, showers, tubs or toilets if the storm is within 30 seconds of your home.

  • Always continue safety precautions for 30 minutes after the storm has passed.

  • Keep an emergency kit available to include battery powered flashlights, a battery powered radio and drinking water.

  • If the lightning is more than 30 seconds away, you can take the precaution of unplugging appliances to include televisions, computers etc… If the storm is within 30 seconds it is too late because for safety reasons you should never touch wiring when lightning is within 30 seconds. The wiring in your house is a conduit for electricity and a lightning strike could surge through the wiring and electrocute you.

    Georgia Power does offer an alternative to having to unplug your appliances every time a storm comes through your neighborhood. Premium Surge protection is a low-cost product that protects your home from surges at the three most vulnerable entry points – phone, cable and electrical lines. Premium Surge is different because the equipment actually stops surges and prevents them from entering your home. However, if a surge is strong enough to pass through the equipment, the program pays up to $5,000 per item or $50,000 per incident in repair or replacement costs. For convenience, the $9.99 monthly cost will be applied directly to your monthly power bill.

    To sign up for Premium Surge you can call Georgia Power at 1-888-999-6055 or you can go to the website at: www.premiumsurge.com.