Flash dance

If you're like most M & F READERS who typically participate in outdoor sports or other recreational activities during the summer months, then you're also likely to encounter the nation's deadliest weather phenomena--lightning.

Summer is the peak season for lightning storms across the United States, and each year an average of 73 people are killed by it. About 10 times as many people are struck by lightning but survive. However, they often report a variety of long-term, debilitating symptoms, including memory loss, attention deficits, sleep disorders, numbness, dizziness, stiffness in joints, irritability, fatigue, weakness, muscle spasms and depression.

Don't be a statistic. If you see lightning or hear thunder, head for shelter immediately. But if you're one of those stubborn types who can't leave until he sinks that putt or makes that next shot, at least use the flash-to-bang method to estimate how far away lightning is occurring. To use the method, count the seconds from the time the lightning is sighted to when the clap of thunder is heard. Divide the seconds by five to approximate how many miles away the lightning is occurring. The National Severe Storms Laboratory recommends that when the flash-to-bang count is 30 seconds (about 6 miles away) or less, all individuals should leave the site immediately and seek a safe location. Wait at least 30 minutes after the last flash of lightning or sound of thunder before returning outdoors and resuming activity.

REFERENCES

National Severe Storms Laboratory (http://www.nssl.noaa.gov/); http://www.lightningsafety.com

BY DWAYNE N. JACKSON, MS

COPYRIGHT 2004 Weider Publications
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group