Safety Tip: When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!

It’s summer. Cue the baseballs games, backyard barbeques, fireflies, and lightning. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), nowhere outside is safe when thunderstorms are in your area. It’s critical to train all employees whose jobs involve working outdoors about lightning risks. Lightning is unpredictable and can strike outside the heaviest rainfall areas or even up to 10 miles from any rainfall. Plan a quick safety refresher to ensure your team understands how to be safe when thunderstorms roll in. 

• Always check the forecast.
• If you hear thunder, even in the distance, get to a safe place immediately.
• Seek shelter in buildings. Be sure to clearly identify the buildings that can serve as safe areas during a storm. 
• Remain in the shelter for at least 30 minutes after hearing the last sound of thunder.

Remember: Thunderstorms always include lightning and any thunder you hear is caused by lightning!