Officials say lightning's dangers underestimated

Lightning is a beautiful but deadly weather phenomenon.

In the Northern Plains lightning is the No. 1 killer in terms of severe weather deaths, according to Brad Temeyer, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Sioux Falls.

This week April 7-11 is Severe Weather Awareness Week and officials want to make sure everyone is aware of the dangers of lightning and other types of severe weather.

Gary Junge, Plymouth County's Homeland Security and Emergency Management Coordinator, and Temeyer agree that lightning is the most underestimated threat.

"It can strike any place from long distances away," Junge said. "It is really a safety concern."

Because lightning is so often ignored, officials want to make sure people know what they should do if caught in a storm especially with the season's outdoor activities ready to begin.

"It's important to seek strong shelter as opposed to riding out the storm in an exposed locations such as under a tree," Temeyer said.

People should stay in the shelter for 30 minutes following the last strike of lightning, according to the National Weather Service's website, www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov.

Even though lightning is a major concern, Junge and Temeyer said people need to be prepared for any type of severe weather -- from thunderstorms to hail storms to tornadoes and strong winds -- by having an action plan and practicing it.

Temeyer said the National Weather Service monitors weather systems in advance and that people should check their local media outlets for updated reports.

"That can be a time to start double checking your plan and system," Junge said.

Every family's emergency plan should include where to meet, how to keep in contact and where to seek shelter. They should also put together emergency kits.

"After you have your plan, make sure you practice it especially with children," Junge said. "With children repetition works best and with some adults."

The emergency kits should include items like snacks, water, a weather radio and flashlights. The kits need to be kept where they are easily accessible, Junge said.

It's also important to see that the needs of people with disabilities are met whether that be ensuring medications are available or having a small generator to supply energy, Junge said.

In addition to creating plans and kits, he said to be sure that someone else, a neighbor or other family member, knows the plan.

"Have a 'what if' list. That's very important," Junge said. "Make sure it (the list) gets to other sites or people."

Although the National Weather Service does its best to get warnings of severe weather to people using information from trained weather spotters and technology, people still need to remain aware of their surroundings and any expected storms, Temeyer said.

"Just have a plan of action ready in case something does come up this spring," he said. "We are expecting a significant weather season ahead."