Severe Weather: Lightning safety

WUPW - On average, lightning kills and injures as many people as tornadoes do.

A thing to remember - there's lightning in every thunderstorm.

So how do you know if the lightning's too close?

When you see the flash, count the seconds - one Mississippi, two Mississippi - to the bang. Every five seconds equals a mile.

So if you're counting anything less than 30 seconds, take shelter. Get into a building, or into a hardtop vehicle.

If you're stuck outside for some reason, get away from tall trees, and crouch. Don't lie flat on the ground, though, just squat. If you're with a group of people, spread out and don't sit on bleachers.

Inside, try to avoid using electrical appliances. Turn off and unplug computers and other expensive equipment. Don't shower or bathe.

And here's something you might not realize - you also need to stay away from concrete that's reinforced with metal bars.

As always during a storm, stay away from windows.