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Public Information Statement
National Weather Service Boston/Norton MA
735 AM EDT Thu Jun 20 2024

...LIGHTNING SAFETY AWARENESS WEEK CONTINUES...

Lightning Safety Outdoors...

The National Weather Service (NWS) Boston, MA has declared June
17 through June 21 as Lightning Safety Awareness Week. Each day
during the awareness week will feature information about a
different lightning related topic.

Last Resort Tips For When You are Far from a Safe Place: When you
are going camping, hiking, fishing or taking part in other
activities where you will be far from an enclosed building or
vehicle, you are NOT safe during a thunderstorm.

If you absolutely cannot get to a safe building or vehicle, you
can slightly lessen the threat of being struck with the following
tips:
Avoid open fields, the top of a hill or a ridge top. Stay away
from tall, isolated trees or other tall objects. If you are in a forest,
stay near a lower stand of trees. If you are in a group, spread
out to avoid the current traveling between group members. If you
are camping in an open area, set up camp in a valley or other low
area. Remember, a tent offers NO protection from lightning. Stay
away from water, wet items, such as ropes, and metal objects, such
as fences and poles. Water and metal do not attract lightning,
but they are excellent conductors of electricity. The current from
a lightning flash will easily travel for long distances.

But don`t kid yourself, you are NOT safe outside. Know the
weather patterns of the area you plan to visit. For example, in
mountainous areas, thunderstorms typically develop in the early
afternoon, so plan to hike early in the day and be down the
mountain by noon. Listen to the weather forecast for the outdoor
area you plan to visit. The forecast may be very different from
the one near your home. If there is a high chance of
thunderstorms, stay home or near a safe location you can get to
easily.

Be a Force of Nature. When Thunder Roars, Stay Indoors! Find out
tips for safety indoors and outdoors near and far from home at
our website: weather.gov/lightning

$$

For the latest updates...please visit our webpage at
www.weather.gov/boston

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