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BLACKSBURG — It’s the peak of thunderstorm season, which means it’s a good time to review some basic information about lightning, says a Virginia Cooperative Extension safety specialist.
Many people have an unreasonably great fear of lightning, said Glen Hetzel, specialist at Tech. But the real threat is for those in vulnerable situations. Vulnerable situations occur almost i anywhere outdoors, particularly on golf courses and water.
“Think about it — golf clubs are metal, they’re long, they’re thin. They make nice, attractive lightning rods,” Mr. Hetzel said. “The golfer has cleated shoes and may be standing out in the open. Unfortunately, golfers often don’t heed the warning signs of thunderstorms and get off of the course. “If you’re not paying attention to the weather, or if you keep saying ‘I can get this one more hole in,’ that may be the last hole you ever play, because every year, there are a number of golfers struck by lightning,” he said.
Fishermen should pay attention to the weather and get out of and away from the water, Mr. Hetzel said.
Joggers and bicyclists also are at risk. “The fact that joggers and cyclists are moving means they may be generating static electricity," he said. “That person then becomes a charged target.”
Farmers w'orking in their fields, particularly riding high up on an open tractor, should head for shelter. If a farmer — or someone simply stranded out in the open — cannot get to shelter in time, the best thing for the person to do is crouch down and put his elbows on his knees, Mr. Hetzel said. “If you’re out in the open, and you’re the tallest thing around, you need to bend over and put your elbows on your
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