The Star - News, views and advertising of the Grand Coulee Dam Area

Electrical strikes and surges from lightning can destroy your home, cause severe injury and even death. With recent storms in the area it is good to know some of the do’s and don’ts while in a lightning storm.

If outdoors: Avoid water high ground and open spaces; stay away from metal objects including wires, fences and motors; find shelter in a sizable building or in a fully enclosed metal vehicle, completely closing the windows and don’t lean on the doors; don’t get under a small canopy, small picnic shelter or near trees; and stay at least 15 feet away from other people.

If indoors: Avoid water and stay away from doors and windows; do not use landline telephones or headsets - cell phones are safe; turn off unplug and stay away from appliances, computers, power tools and television sets as lightning may strike exterior electric and phone lines inducing shocks to equipment inside.

And don’t resume activities until at least 30 minutes after the last lightning strike or thunderclap.

In protecting your home: A whole house surge system can be installed on the electric meter or the electrical panel to help protect the appliances and electronic equipment.