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 GLYNN COUNTY, GA. --
The last couple of weeks have had county residents seeking
shelter from severe afternoon thunderstorms. These storms, which have been
setting in quickly and lasting for a relatively short period of time have
created some dangerous conditions. Among other things these storms have been accompanied with high and gusty winds, heavy rain
with
hail, and lightning.
Recently the residents of Glynn County have seen several afternoon
thunderstorms that have resulted in the response of the fire and police
departments. There are many reason for the emergency response. Many
of the calls are for utility problems and outages. Many of the calls are
for fire and burglar alarms that have been activated by the storm. However
some of the calls are for fires caused by lightning strikes.
The safest place to be during a storm is in a
finished and fully enclosed building or automobile. However, as we have
seen recently, buildings themselves may become a victim of the storm. It
is not uncommon for lightning to strike a building or nearby tree and travel
into the building. When this happens it is possible for the structure to
catch on fire. Much of the time the fire originates in the attic or wall
cavity and does not become visible to the occupant or passers-by until the fire
has had the opportunity to grow and develop. In the event that you think
that your house may have been struck by lightning don't
hesitate to notify your local fire department.
In addition to the fire and utility dangers associated with lightning there
are also serious health concerns. Lightning kills more people each year than
tornadoes and hurricanes combined, making it the second most frequent weather-related
killer in the United States.
Related:
Lightning
Safety Tip
Glynn
County Emergency Management Agency
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