Along with thunderstorms generally comes lightning. Lightning is one of nature's most awe inspiring phenomenon, but is also one of the most dangerous. One flash of lightning is packed with tremendous amounts of energy. That one bolt could light a 100-watt light bulb for at least 3 months. That is a lot of energy! In Kansas from 1959 to 1997, 49 people were killed by lightning and 182 were injured. When the thunder starts rumbling, follow these lightning safety tips:

• Move indoors immediately.
• Stay away from windows and doors.
• Do not get into water (that includes outdoor water like lakes and swimming pools as well as indoor water like showers).
• Avoid using electrical appliances (that includes computers and video games!).
• Do not use the telephone (that is, phones with cords - cell phones and cordless phones are okay)
• If you get caught outdoors and don't have a shelter nearby, be sure to stay away from isolated objects (like a single tree), and avoid contact with anything metal. Also, if you're out on a lake, get to shore as fast as possible.
• If you feel your hair standing on end or your skin starts to tingle, lightning may be about to strike. Make yourself as small as possible, as fast as possible, and try to minimize your contact with the ground.