Public Information Statement
Issued by NWS State College, PA
Issued by NWS State College, PA
398 NOUS41 KCTP 280952 PNSCTP PAZ004>006-010>012-017>019-024>028-033>037-041-042-045-046- 049>053-056>059-063>066-290400- Public Information Statement National Weather Service State College PA 552 AM EDT Fri Jun 28 2024 ...PENNSYLVANIA LIGHTNING SAFETY AWARENESS WEEK... This week is Lightning Safety Awareness Week in Pennsylvania. Todays topic: Lightning Safety Around the Home. Although houses and other substantial building offer the best protection from lightning, many homes across the united states are struck by lightning each year. In fact, on average, lightning causes about 4400 house fires and 1800 other structural fires each year, some of which are deadly. All totaled, lightning causes nearly 1 billion dollars in damages each year. There are three main ways lightning enters homes and buildings. First, a direct strike. Second, through wires or pipes that extend outside the structure. Third, through the ground. Regardless of the method of entrance, once inside a structure the lightning can travel through the electrical and phone wires, the plumbing, or radio and television reception systems. Indoor safety depends on avoiding contact with items that could conduct lightning within the home. Here are some indoor safety tips to follow when a thunderstorm is in the area: Don`t touch electrical equipment or cords. If you plan to unplug any electronic equipment, do so well before the storm arrives. Stay off corded phones. Avoid contact with plumbing. Do not take a bath or shower, wash dishes, or do laundry. Stay away from windows and doors, and stay off porches. In case your home is struck by lightning, evacuate your home immediately if you smell smoke and call 9 1 1. If possible, have the local fire department check for hot spots in your walls with thermal imaging equipment. Make sure all smoke detectors have power and are operating properly. If needed, have a licensed electrician check the wiring in your home. We hope you have gained some valuable lightning safety information through the week. Please share this information with your family, friends and neighbors. For additional information about lightning or lightning safety, visit NOAA`s Lightning Safety Awareness web site at: weather.gov/safety/lightning $$