1	Lightning Safety
2	Lightning Safety Websites This presentation was compiled by First Army from information provided on the following websites. 45^th Weather Squadron Lightning Safety Website: http://www.patrick.af.mil/45og/45ws/LightningSafety/index.htm NOAA Lightning Safety: http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/ CECOM Publications (Antenna Safety, Grounding, etc.) http://www.monmouth.army.mil/cecom/safety/SYSTEM/SPUB.HTM Kids’ Lightning Information and Safety: http://www.azstarnet.com/anubis/zaphome.htm
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6	Lightning Safety When Outdoors If you can see lightning or hear thunder, activate your safety plan. Resume activities only when lightning and thunder have not been observed for 30 minutes. If you can see it (lightning), flee it; if you can hear it (thunder), clear it.
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9	Associated Hazards Contrary to popular belief, most lightning accidents do not come from direct lightning strikes. There are several ways lightning can cause injury. COMMUNICATIONS
10	Tactical Communications Equipment will be grounded IAW grounding instructions contained in applicable TMs. Remember that soil type impacts the grounding. Keep away from antennas, masts, guy wires and all grounding and lightning protection equipment, including ground rods, during electrical storm activity. This includes vehicles with whip antennas.
11	Tactical Communication If mission permits, disconnect the signal inputs before the storm. Do not attempt this during the storm, even if lightning is not nearby! Restrict the use of telephones, computers and other electrical devices. Lightning could follow the wire. Most lightning injuries occur from using phones during electrical storms. Radios will not be used, nor will troops carry radios with antennas extended.
12	Lightning Step Voltage
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15	Safe Locations #1 No place is absolutely safe from lightning. Ideally, evacuation to a lightning certified or lightning protected building is the best when available; however, this will probably not be the case. THEN Large enclosed structures (substantially constructed buildings).
16	Indoor Lightning Safety Avoid using telephone (remember the wires). Avoid using water–sink, tub, etc. (plumbing) Unplug appliances (remember the wires). Inner rooms the best.
17	Safe Locations #2 Fully enclosed metal vehicles–car, bus, etc. Close windows Keep hands on lap It’s not the rubber tires that make a vehicle safe – it’s the metal enclosure.
18	Safe Locations #3 Remaining Outdoors Stay away from rivers, lakes or other bodies of water. Be aware of the potential for flooding in low-lying areas. Stay away from natural lightning rods / tall structures such as towers, tall trees, telephone poles/lines, tents with metal supports, etc. Take shelter under a small tree among several large ones, if possible. Stay at least 6 feet away from the tree trunk to minimize a side strike and step voltage. NEVER stand under an isolated tree.
19	Safe Locations #3 (cont’d) Stay low (crouch) in a ditch or depression. Other options include a low area, ravine or foot of a hill. DO NOT lie flat on ground. Weapons should be stacked at least 50 meters away from personnel. Miles gear and other metal conductors should be removed.
20	Lightning Safety Position (LSP) Assume LSP. Crouch with feet as close together as possible. Have heels touch. Place hands over ears. - REMEMBER - DO NOT LIE FLAT ON THE GROUND
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22	Lightning Safety Without soldiers, civilians and equipment, we can not support our mission–protect these valuable assets. THINK SAFETY