FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, July 15, 2016

 

TRENTON, NJ – The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs’ Division of Fire Safety is reminding everyone that there are steps that can be taken to keep you, your family and emergency responders safe from lightning. The National Weather Service reports lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times a year. During summer the chances of being struck by lightning increase because of an uptick in outdoor activities.

Make storm safety a topic for family discussion and practice the following safety strategies:

Outside:

  • Avoid open fields, hilltops and ridge tops.
  • Stay away from tall, isolated trees or other tall objects. If you are in a forest, stay near lower stands of trees.
  • If you are in a group, spread out to avoid electrical currents traveling among group members.
  • If you are camping in an open area, set up camp in a valley, ravine or other low areas.
  • Remember, a tent offers NO protection from lightning.
  • Stay away from water or wet items such as ropes and metal objects like fences and poles. Water and metal do not attract lightning but they are strong conductors of electricity. The current from a lightning flash will easily travel for long distances.

Inside:

  • Stay off corded phones. You can use cellular or cordless phones.
  • Do not touch electrical equipment such as computers and TVs. However, you can use the remote control.
  • Stay away from windows and doors that might have small leaks around the sides which may let in lightning. Stay off porches.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has made available a smart phone app to assist you in negotiating your way around life hazards and severe weather. The app also includes comprehensive tips on keeping you and your family safe from fire and other disasters. Consult the link below for more details:

The FEMA App: Helping Your Family Weather the Storm.

The Division of Fire Safety serves as the central fire service agency in the State. The Division is responsible for the development and enforcement of the State Uniform Fire Code, as well as for implementing community risk reduction and firefighter training programs.

CONTACT:
Tammori Petty,
or Emike Omogbai
(609) 292-6055