Avoid the Jolt from a Lightning Bolt!

I came across this fierce 30 second video on Youtube today of a lightning bolt striking the shore of a beach about a hundred or so yards from a hotel balcony where some guy was filming. Check it out (some cursing included so beware)

The force and power are so crazy it knocked the guy back a little bit!

Living in Southern California, we don’t see a lot of intense thunder and lightning, but you should learn to identify the early signs of an oncoming thunder and lightning storm.

Typically you’ll see towering clouds in the shape of a cauliflower, dark sky, distant rumbles of thunder and flashes of lightning. When a storm is on the verge of striking your area, you need to take cover to get out of harm’s way.

Here’s how:

• Seek shelter in an enclosed building, if possible.
• If you are in a car, stay inside and keep the windows securely rolled up.
• Do not use a small shed, pavilion or lean-to as shelter; they do not provide enough protection.
• Stay several feet away from open windows, sinks, toilets, tubs, showers, electric boxes, outlets and appliances during a lightning storm. Lightning bolts can flow through these items, “jump” to you and give you a jolt.
• Do not use a landline telephone during a storm. Opt for a cellular or cordless phone, which is not connected to the building’s wiring.

If you are caught outside in a lightning storm:

• If your skin starts to tingle or your hair stands up, lightning may be about to strike. Crouch to the ground on the balls of your feet and place your feet close together. Then, place your hands on your knees and lower your head. Try to get as close to the ground as possible without placing your hands or knees on the ground.
• Avoid seeking shelter under trees, near metal fences, pipes or tall and long objects.
• If you are swimming, boating or fishing, seek shelter on land immediately.
• If you are boating and cannot get to shore before the storm hits, crouch your body down in the middle of the boat, as low as you can get.

Next time you’re in the path of a thunderstorm, you can stay cool knowing Jim Kinmartin taught you everything you need to know about dealing with it ;).

Planning is important when it comes to preparing for storms, and that includes having the proper home or business insurance. Contact your broker or me to learn more about insurance solutions for your home, business and life.

–JK