LIGHTNING SAFETY
August 15, 2006

Although northern Nevada’s summer weather is typically beautiful with warmth and sunshine, thunderstorms are no strangers to the area. During these storms, the lightning and thunder can be fun to watch as long as it is done in a safe manner. REMSA would like to remind people to remain safe during these storms by following a few simple rules:

1. Plan in advance your evacuation and safety measures. When you first see lightning or hear thunder, activate your emergency plan. Now is the time to go to a building or a vehicle. Lightning often precedes rain, so don't wait for the rain to begin before suspending activities.
2. If outdoors, avoid water, avoid the high ground, avoid open spaces and avoid all metal objects including electric wires, fences, machinery, motors, power tools, etc. Unsafe places include underneath canopies, small picnic or rain shelters, or near trees. Where possible, find shelter in a substantial building or in a fully enclosed metal vehicle such as a car, truck or a van with the windows completely shut. If lightning is striking nearby when you are outside, you should:
   1. Crouch down. Put feet together. Place hands over ears to minimize hearing damage from thunder.
   2. Avoid proximity (minimum of 15 ft.) to other people.
3. If indoors, avoid water, stay away from doors and windows, do not use the telephone, take off head sets, turn off, unplug and stay away from appliances, computers, power tools and TVs. Lightning may strike exterior electric and phone lines, inducing shocks to inside equipment.
4. Suspend activities for 30 minutes after the last observed lightning or thunder.
5. Injured persons do not carry an electrical charge and can be handled safely. Apply First Aid procedures to a lightning victim if you are qualified to do so. Call 911 or send for help immediately.
6. Know your emergency telephone numbers.

Teach this safety slogan:

"If you can see it, flee it; if you can hear it, clear it."

To set up a media interview with a REMSA representative, please call Scott Walquist at 775.686.2116.

REMSA is a private, not-for-profit emergency medical services system serving northern Nevada. REMSA’s state-of-the-art 9-1-1 dispatch communications center is fully accredited, as are all emergency medical transport services of the company. REMSA provides quality patient care with no taxpayer support or other subsidies.

450 Edison Way Reno, Nevada 89502 (775)858-5700 Fax (775)858-5720