[californiadisasters] Monsoon Awareness Week (June 9-14, 2013)

The purpose of this web page is to promote awareness of life-threatening and damaging weather hazards affecting Arizona and its residents during the North American Monsoon. Our "monsoon season" officially extends from June 15th through September 30th, the time during which associated hazards are most likely to occur.

The National Weather Service in Phoenix would like to extend a special "Thank You" to the Arizona Diamondbacks for recording several Public Service Announcements about Monsoon hazards.

Today's Topic: Lightning Safety

Click for full-size image.

Luis Gonzalez, from the Arizona Diamondbacks, discusses Lightning Safety. Click to hear the Public Safety Announcement (996kb)

Every thunderstorm produces 1 or more bolts of lightning. This hazard kills 1 to 2 Arizona residents each year; as many as 15 are injured. Because all of us are exposed to thunderstorms during the course of our Monsoon season, we need to know how to safeguard ourselves.

How can I safeguard myself?

Indoors is the only truly safe place to be during a thunderstorm. Any sturdy, enclosed structure will do: a school, your home, a cabin, etc. If you can't get indoors, inside a hard-topped vehicle (with the windows rolled up) is your next best choice. In either case, stay away from interior metallic objects that may conduct electricity during a strike (wiring, piping, etc.). The idea is for metal conductors in the house walls or car body to divert the electrical charge around you and safely to ground.

How can I safeguard electronic appliances in my home?

The most reliable way to protect sensitive electronic appliances (tvs, computers, etc.) is to unplug them *before* thunderstorms occur. If thunderstorms have already begun, stay away from appliances and their cords since these are possible pathways for lightning's electrical charge.

Can I use my phone?

You can safely use a cell or cordless phone provided they aren't connected to their chargers/bases. Don't ever use a corded telephone during a thunderstorm; it's connected directly to metal conductors (wiring) that may bring the lightning's electrical charge your way.

For more information on lightning and lightning safety, see:

http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov
http://www.srh.noaa.gov/srh/jetstream/lightning/lightning_intro.htm

If you have any questions or comments, please contact:
Ken Waters
Warning Coordination Meteorologist
POB 52025 PAB 225
Phoenix, AZ 85072
602-275-0073
Ken.Waters@noaa.gov

Be sure to visit Weather.gov/Phoenix to access official forecasts and warnings for south central and southwest Arizona.

Source: http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/psr/pns/2013/June/MonsoonAwarenessWeek.php?day=tue

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