Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority Highlights Lightning Safety Tips and Addresses Common Myths

Photo: Monsoon lightning lights up the sky behind a CAFMA engine. Stay safe this monsoon season by planning ahead for severe weather.

As monsoon weather brings unpredictable storms and lightning to the region, the Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority (CAFMA) is encouraging residents to remain alert. To help keep the community safe, CAFMA is sharing essential lightning safety tips and debunking common myths.

Lightning Safety Tips

• Check the Forecast: Always consult a trusted source like the National Weather Service in Flagstaff, https://www.weather.gov/fgz/, before heading outdoors for recreation.
• Know the 30-30 rule: If you can count 30 seconds or less between seeing lightning and hearing thunder, the storm is close, seek shelter immediately. Stay in a safe shelter for at least 30 minutes after you hear the last sound of thunder before going back outside.
• Reality Check: There is no safe place outdoors when thunderstorms are in the area.
• When thunder roars, go indoors: Safe shelters include sizable buildings with electricity and plumbing or metal-topped vehicles with the windows closed. Avoid picnic area shelters, dugouts, and small buildings without plumbing or electricity, as they provide no real protection.
• Steer clear: Once indoors, stay away from windows and doors, and do not go out on the porch. Inner rooms are safer during a storm.
• Watch out for electrical currents: Avoid sinks, baths, and faucets as much as possible, as lightning can travel through metal. Refrain from using corded phones, computers, and other electrical equipment plugged into outlets.

Myth vs. Fact: Lightning

MYTH: You are safe from lightning if there are not storm clouds directly overhead.

FACT: Lightning often strikes more than three miles from the center of a thunderstorm, and “bolts from the blue” (lightning from the back of a storm cloud) can travel 10 – 15 miles away from the storm. Always seek safe shelter immediately when you hear thunder.

MYTH: You should lie flat on the ground if you are stuck outside when a thunderstorm hits.

FACT: Lying flat increases the risk of being affected by dangerous ground currents that can cause injuries. Instead of lying down, keep moving quickly towards the nearest safe shelter.

MYTH: A lightning victim is electrified, and if you touch them, you will be electrocuted.

FACT: The human body does not store electricity, so it is safe to provide first aid to a lightning victim. However, it is important to move yourself and the victim to a safe location as soon as possible.

CAFMA urges all residents to familiarize themselves with these safety tips and to share them with family and friends. By staying informed and prepared, you can protect yourself and others during monsoon season.

“Monsoon storms move in fast, and it is important for families to plan ahead before heading outdoors,” said Kathy Goodman, CAFMA Public Information Officer. “Taking a few minutes to talk through these safety steps with your family ensures everyone knows exactly what to do when severe weather hits.”

In an emergency, having the right skills can make all the difference. CAFMA encourages community members to get certified in CPR, AED, and first aid. To learn more about available Heartsaver and BLS classes, or to find additional information on lightning safety and monsoon precautions, please visit https://www.cazfire.gov/.

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ABOUT THE CENTRAL ARIZONA FIRE AND MEDICAL AUTHORITY
The Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority (CAFMA) provides emergency services, all-hazards response, and community safety education across 369 square miles of Yavapai County, Arizona, including the towns of Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, Dewey-Humboldt, parts of Paulden, and surrounding areas of Prescott. Headquartered in Prescott Valley, CAFMA is dedicated to protecting life and property through prevention and response while fostering strong partnerships with the communities it serves. Learn more at cazfire.gov.