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Lightning Strikes
Staying safe during a lightning storm
When lightning is occurring, the most dangerous place to be is an open area, such as a sports field. Nearly half of all lightning deaths occur in open areas. Many people are struck when they go under a tree to keep dry during a storm. Outdoor water activities such as swimming, boating and fishing are very dangerous during lightning. Seek shelter in a substantial building such as a home, and do not be tempted to watch lightning from open windows or doors. A lightning strike to the ground or water can travel horizontally more than 30 feet in all directions. Therefore, when thunderstorms are approaching, avoid outdoor activities as if your life depends on it –because it does!
Covered picnic shelters, tents and convertibles (even with the roof up) offer absolutely no protection from lightning. An automobile with a metal roof does provide safe shelter. However, contrary to popular belief, the rubber tires do not provide this protection for you. If lightning strikes an automobile, the electricity flows around the metal shell of a hardtop vehicle and is redirected to the ground, so the occupants inside are protected.
Did you know that static electricity and lightning are both forms of energy? There are many different forms of energy. Look in the St. Petersburg Times for pictures and words that are forms of energy. What type of items did you find? Share your thoughts about the importance of energy and electricity here.
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The NIE Blogging Zone is a great place for teachers, parents and school administrators to share their thoughts about how they are using the Tampa Bay Times in their classrooms and to share thoughts about teaching, classroom management, the school system and education in general. If you have a burning topic to suggest or questions about the NBZ, e-mail jpushkin@tampabay.com
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