Weather Can Change In A Matter Of Minutes - 7/28/2010

In just a matter of minutes the weather can change from blistering sunshine, to downpours and lightning, and a group of St. Marys business leaders learn exactly what to do when the shifts occur. Lightning safety spokesperson Ellen Bryan sharing a few tips with members of the St. Marys rotary club. One fact many club members found surprising lightning can strike up to 10 miles away from the edge of the storm. A good rule of thumb to stay safe is to wait 30 minutes after a storm passes before heading outside. Bryan says there are only two safe places to be during a lightning storm either a car or a building with plumbing or electricity that way the lightning will be routed to the ground. But, those who head indoors must remain cautious. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says lightning strikes have killed 18 people in the U.S. so far in 2010. 90 percent of people survive a hit, but many survivors have lasting injuries.