Watch the how-to video, provided by the City of Seal Beach<\/a>.<\/p>\nPreparing for approaching lightning: Expert safety advice<\/p>\n
Lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times each year, mostly during the summer. Lightning claims the lives of about 20 people annually, according to the NWS. The risk of lightning-related incidents escalates as thunderstorms draw near, reaching its peak when the storm directly looms overhead. However, it gradually recedes as the tempest moves<\/p>\n
To ensure your safety during a thunderstorm, keep these recommendations in mind:<\/p>\n
Lightning safety plan:<\/p>\n
When venturing outdoors, it\u2019s vital to establish a clear plan for seeking shelter in case of lightning.
\nStay vigilant by monitoring the sky for ominous signs and listening for the telltale sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it\u2019s a clear indication of nearby lightning.
\nSeek shelter promptly in a safe location, preferably indoors.<\/p>\n
Indoors safety measures:<\/p>\n
Once you\u2019ve found shelter indoors, abstain from using corded phones, electrical appliances, or plumbing fixtures, and refrain from approaching windows and doors.
\nThese precautions help reduce the risk of electrical surges, as lightning can follow conductive pathways.<\/p>\n
Wait for the all-clear:<\/p>\n
After the last lightning strike or thunderclap, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities.
\nLightning can strike even when a storm has seemingly passed, so exercise caution.<\/p>\n
When indoor shelter isn\u2019t available:<\/p>\n
If you find yourself outdoors without access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take these steps to maximize your safety:<\/p>\n
Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, as they expose you to greater lightning risk.
\nSteer clear of tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In wooded areas, stay close to lower stands of trees.
\nIf you\u2019re with a group, ensure individuals are spread out to prevent lightning current from transferring between people.
\nCamping in an open setting during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If no alternative exists, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. Remember that a tent offers no protection against lightning.
\nDo not approach water bodies, wet objects, or metal items. Although water and metal do not attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks.<\/p>\n
In summary, when facing the threat of lightning, vigilance and preparedness are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the chances of lightning-related accidents and prioritize your safety.<\/p>\n
Driving through downpours: Safety guidelines for wet roads <\/p>\n
When heavy rain sets in, the risk of flooding and hazardous driving conditions rises. Whether it\u2019s prolonged rainfall or rapid runoff, being prepared is essential. Here are some valuable safety tips from the NWS to ensure you stay safe in heavy rain:<\/p>\n
Beware of rapid water flow:<\/p>\n
During heavy rain, avoid parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a serious risk.<\/p>\n
Maintain safe driving distances:<\/p>\n
The two-second rule for following distance is your ally in heavy rain. Extend it to four seconds to ensure safe spacing in adverse conditions.<\/p>\n
Slow down and stay cautious:<\/p>\n
On wet roads, reducing your speed is crucial. Ease off the accelerator gradually and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding.<\/p>\n
Choose your lane wisely:<\/p>\n
Stick to the middle lanes on multi-lane roads to minimize the risk of hydroplaning, as water tends to accumulate in outer lanes.<\/p>\n
Visibility matters:<\/p>\n
Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by turning on your headlights. Watch out for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them.<\/p>\n
Watch out for slippery roads:<\/p>\n
The initial half-hour of rain is when roads are slickest due to a mixture of rain, grime, and oil. Exercise heightened caution during this period.<\/p>\n
Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:<\/p>\n
Large trucks and buses can reduce your visibility with tire spray. Avoid tailgating and pass with caution.<\/p>\n
Mind your windshield wipers:<\/p>\n
Heavy rain can overload the wiper blades. When visibility is so limited that the edges of the road or other vehicles cannot be seen at a safe distance, it is time to pull over and wait for the rain to ease up. It is best to stop at rest areas or other protected areas.<\/p>\n
When stopping by the roadside is your only option, position your vehicle as far off the road as possible, ideally beyond guardrails. Keep your headlights on and activate emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.<\/p>\n
In the face of heavy rain, these precautions can make a significant difference in ensuring your safety on the road. Remember to stay informed about weather conditions and heed guidance from local authorities for a secure journey.<\/p>\n
For more local weather alerts, visit our Weather Advisory page<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties were placed under a severe thunderstorm warning by the National Weather Service…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":182762,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[36],"tags":[163,165,164,334],"class_list":{"0":"post-182761","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-anaheim","8":"tag-anaheim","9":"tag-anaheim-headlines","10":"tag-anaheim-news","11":"tag-weather-advisory"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/182761","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=182761"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/182761\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/182762"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=182761"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=182761"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=182761"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
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