Environment Canada is reminding everyone about the increased threat of lightning exposure during the summer season.
Lightning awareness is particularly important for outdoor seasonal workers and those engaged in outdoor activities, such as sporting activities, camping, and boating. Lightning is an occupational hazard, and those who work and play outdoors are vulnerable to lightning strikes.
Many thunderstorms develop in the afternoon, between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. By scheduling work or any other outdoor activities in the morning or later in the evening, most lightning hazards can be avoided.
Dark clouds and increasing wind speeds indicate an approaching storm. When you hear thunder, lightning is within striking distance, and it is time to seek shelter immediately in an enclosed building or hard-topped vehicle (not a convertible top).
In the vast majority of cases, you will see lightning or hear thunder in advance, giving you enough time to get to a safe location. Keep in mind that the sound of thunder can be blocked by mountainous terrain and large buildings or masked by environmental noise such as airplanes, traffic, and lawnmowers. Lastly, remember to wait a full 30 minutes after the last roll of thunder before going back outside.
The Canadian Lightning Danger Map is one way to track thunderstorms.
This week is Lightning Safety week
