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Lightning Safety

June 23, 2006 on 1:49 pm | In General Nonsense | 5 Comments

Dead cows lined up along a metallic fence. Lightning struck the fence, and the current traveled along the fence killing the cows

Next time you’re on the monorail platform during a thunderstorm, next to the metal gates, think about this photo. Scary, huh? From the NOAA Lightning Safety site:

If lightning is in the immediate area, and there is no safe location nearby, stay at least 10 feet apart from other members of your group so the lightning won’t travel between you if hit. Keep your feet together and sit on the ground out in the open. If you can possibly run to a vehicle or building, DO so. Sitting or crouching on the ground is not safe and should be a last resort if a enclosed building or vehicle is not available.

I’m sure the lightning protection on top of the station would prevent this from happening. We’ve had some pretty close strikes while I was working. Still kind of a scary thought though.