Did you know lightning could strike as far away as 10 miles from where it is raining? If you can hear thunder you are within striking distance, seek shelter immediately! When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!

Lightning Safety Awareness Week is June 24-30. Oneida County Emergency Management and the National Weather Service promote Lightning Safety Awareness Week.

Indoor Sheltering: Stay off of corded telephones, computers and other electrical equipment. Use surge protectors. Stay away from pools (both indoor and outdoor), tubs, showers and other plumbing. Wait 30 minutes after last lightning flash before going outdoors.

Outdoor Sheltering: get off of the water as soon as you hear thunder! Shelter in a building or in a vehicle at the first sound of thunder and wait 30 minutes after the last rumble of thunder before leaving. If caught outdoors, seek shelter in a valley, ravine or a low area before a storm hits. Avoid sheltering under trees, open fields, the top of a hill, a ridge top or in cave entrances. Assume the lightning position by squatting (or sitting), balling up, put feet together and wrap
arms around legs so you are as low as possible.

Monitor local weather reports, watches and warnings with a portable handheld radio or a NOAA Weather Radio. A NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts official weather service warnings, watches, forecasts and other hazard information directly from the National Weather Service Office 24-hours a day, 7-days a week.

If you have any questions, call the Oneida County Emergency Management Department at (715) 361-5167, or visit the National Weather Service website at lightningsafety.noaa.gov/.

For more information, call Dawn Robinson, Oneida County Emergency Management/PIO, at (715) 361-5167.