Lightning safety crucial to lives, equipment

  • Published
  • By Jasmine DeNamur
  • 919th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
DUKE FIELD, Fla. --  It's that time of year where showers and thunderstorms make it difficult to stay focused on the job. Fortunately for the daydreamers, alerts on Duke Field give the heads-up for approaching lightning.

"We've been announcing the 'lightning within five' alert almost four to five times daily this summer," said Master Sgt. David Mooers, 919th Special Operations Wing command post superintendent.

"Lightning within five" refers to the approach of lightning when it is within five nautical miles of the base.

"The 46th Weather Squadron at Eglin notifies the command post of upcoming severe weather," said Sergeant Mooers. "Also, anyone who notices lightning on base can call us and we'll send out the alert."

Lightning safety is not taken lightly by personnel on Duke, as direct hits are not the only hits known to cause harm.

Most lightning strikes are the results of indirect hits, said Lt. Col Joseph Arthur, 919th SOW chief of safety.

A prime example of an indirect hit occurred on Eglin Air Force Base in early August. Lightning struck a tree and shocked six Army Ranger trainees nearby.

More than 100 people are struck by lightning in Florida every year, said Colonel Arthur. After all, Florida is the lightning capitol of America.

With that in mind, Colonel Arthur offers some suggestions regarding lightning safety, indoors and out:

- No place outside is safe near thunderstorms.

- If the time between lightning and thunder is 30 seconds or less, seek proper shelter.

- The best shelter for lightning is a typical home.

- When on the road, a vehicle with a solid metal roof and sides is the second best shelter.

- All electronics should be shut down and unplugged from the wall unless they are protected by an uninterrupted power supply.

- Suspend all outdoor activities for at least 30 minutes after the last lightning strike.

"'Lightning within five' should be taken seriously no matter what you are doing," said Colonel Arthur. "Even when Giant Voice isn't around to let you know danger's coming, use the 30/30 rule to keep you and your family safe. It's about time another state gets our title."