lightning

Along with lounging by the pool and BBQ's, summertime also means dramatic electrical storms. As much as we all love to run with our iPods, I want you all to know (and so does Sugar user rubiala) that using an iPod, or any other MP3 player for that matter, outdoors when lightning threatens can be dangerous.

According to PC World using an MP3 player may not necessarily increase the chances of being struck by lightning, the combination of sweat and metal earphones may direct the electrical current to the user's head. The head injures sustained are not pretty, not only do they include burns but also ruptured eardrums and broken jaws.

I don't think that running in an electrical storm is ever a good idea, but if you find yourself out in the rain take your earbuds out!

To learn more about lightning, read 5 Things About: Lightning. If you are really, really, really freaked out by lightning, you may also want to check out this lightning detector on geeksugar. I think it may be "lie detector's" illegitimate offspring.

Summer rainstorms light up the sky and can provide quite a demonstration of the power of nature. Those lightning flashes might entertain with unexpected moments of beauty, but they are dangerous as well. Here are 5 things about lightning and lightning safety I think you should know.

1. People are thousands of times more likely to be struck by lightning than to win the lottery.
2. Lightning injuries are neurological in nature and are not considered burn injuries like most people think. A lightning strike can cause lasting damage, from memory loss and depression to chronic pain and paralysis.
3. If you are indoors during an electrical storm you should: Avoid water. Stay away from doors and windows. Since lightning may strike exterior electric and phone lines, inducing shocks to inside equipment, do not use the telephone (cell phones are OK). Take off head sets and turn off, unplug, and stay away from appliances, computers, power tools, & TV sets.
4. If you happen to be outside in an electrical storm AVOID unsafe places like: canopies, small picnic or rain shelters, and trees. Where possible, find shelter in a substantial building or in a fully enclosed metal vehicle such as a car, truck or a van with the windows completely shut. Keep your hands in your lap and do not touch the metal parts of the car.
5. Pool activities should remain suspended until thirty minutes after the last thunder is heard.

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