Imagine you’re walking your dog one evening in a neighborhood park. Dark clouds begin rolling across the sky. Suddenly, your peaceful stroll is interrupted as a loud horn blares and a strobe light flashes, warning that lightning is within 10 miles of the area. You may be in danger from a lightning strike.
Would you keep walking your dog or seek shelter immediately?
Park patrons in Cresskill, New Jersey will likely be heading indoors now that local council members unanimously approved a measure to fine parkgoers who fail to heed siren warnings and head to safety after the warning alarm sounds. As local news reported, anyone using the town’s public parks or pools will have 10 minutes to clear the field or get out of the pool after the siren sounds or risk incurring a fine of up to $1,000.
Heeding the lightning alarm makes sound safety sense. So far this year, 10 people have been killed and more than 115 injured as a result of lightning strikes according to StruckbyLightning.org.
With detection, horns and our own common sense, we can help keep these numbers down. Just a simple act like seeking shelter can make the difference between life and death.
For lightning safety tips, read our Lightning Safety 101 – Knowing Before is Half the Battle post.
Stay safe from severe weather and Know Before™! Lightning detection is in our Android and iPhone apps. Download WeatherBug today, it’s free! What are you waiting for?
Or if you’re on a computer: