Lightning safety tips

This is Paul Janensch with a Treasure Coast Essay about lightning.  Yes, it’s that time of year again.  Florida is the lightning capital of the U.S., with more deaths each year than any other state.  The most dangerous months are June, July and August.  Around here, morning is the most dangerous time of day.  Rain-filled clouds pushed by westerly winds, pile up above us.  When it thunders, remember these safety tips: Avoid open high ground and isolated tall trees.  Stay away from bodies of water – the ocean, the Lagoon, lakes, even swimming pools.  Seek shelter inside a building or hard-top vehicle.  When in a building, stay away from wiring and plumbing.  Don’t watch TV or do the dishes.  After the last lightning flash, wait 30 minutes before leaving shelter.  Half of all lightning deaths occur when it seems the storm has ended.  I’m Paul Janensch.