Editor’s Note: A conversation between our fictional friends Jane and Zymir teach us how to stay safe from lightning during thunderstorms.

By Robert Ambrose

Jane: Ah, here we go again. It’s raining in Philly. 

Zymir: We love rain. Why do you sound so disappointed? 

Jane: Hear that? .

Zymir: Thunder.

Jane: Yes, but lightning could be nearby. Stay inside when you hear thunder because lightning is close.

Zymir: We can postpone our picnic.

Jane: But why? Since 2001, there was a drop in lightning fatalities. Less than 30 people a year die. 

Zymir: Do you want to be one of the 30? (Pause). I didn’t think so. 

Jane: (Smiling). Just ask Lee Trevino.

Zymir: Who?

Jane: The golfer. He survived. (Lightning flashes across the sky). 

Zymir: Gives that song,  “Lightning Crashes” new meaning.

Jane: Live?

Zymir: Yep. You’re right: If you hear thunder, it’s time to forget the outdoors and bolt for shelter.

Jane: Like under the trees.

Zymir: Never trees.

Jane: Where do I run to?

Zymir: Let me tell you where NOT to be.

Jane: Okay.

Zymir: Get away from trees, open fields and spaces like a courtyard, football fields, hiking trails, rooftops, utility power poles and mountains.

Jane: So, where to go?

Zymir: Do NOT go swimming. In fact, get out of the water, okay?

Jane: Okay. But if it’s not raining…

Zymir: You can still get hit by lightning.

Jane: I already hate lightning. So, what if I’m on a boat, a tractor or a motorcycle?

Zymir: The boat? Go in and park your boat and get out. Fast.

Jane: What if my boat is miles from the shoreline.

Zymir: Then just go inside the cabin and wait for the lightning to stop.    

Jane: Understood.

Zymir: But whether you’re on a boat, in a field or on a mountain, I hope you look up. Looking up can tell you that the weather is changing – advance notice. Remember the weather can change fast.

(Silence)

Zymir: Oh yeah. You asked me about being on a tractor or motorcycle…you don’t even ride those.

Jane: But…

Zymir: Very dangerous. Get off of a tractor or motorcycle. They are too open and lightning could nail you.

Jane: No rest for the weary.

Zymir: Huh?

Jane: Growing up I learned all you need to do is get in your car.

Zymir: Cars are good but if someone’s car has drop-top, then they are unsafe in lightning. Oh, your car  windows must be up. Don’t even touch the radio dial.

Jane: You can’t hike, golf, sail, walk in a field or trail, swim, lean against a street pole, stand under a tree, sit in a convertible, a tractor, or a motorcycle…what can you do?

Zymir: Don’t worry about jewelry. Lightning likes tall metal pointed objects or just tall objects. Get away from metal high school bleachers. Don’t lie down. You can die more from ground current since your body takes more space than those Newbies you have on your feet. Just stay upright and run to a building or a car. The car tires don’t protect you. The car’s metal roof absorbs the lightning which passes through the car’s metal frame to the ground. If you are too far from the car and any building, just pray.