Page 45 - MAYO CLINIC Head to Toe e-magazine 293700

• Use the 30-30 rule if you’re caught outside

If you see a lightning flash, count how long it takes until you hear
thunder If it’s 30 seconds or less, seek a safer location right away
If you can’t see the lightning but you hear thunder, go to a safer
location
• Avoid trees and tall isolated structures

They’re lightning targets Avoid small, open picnic pavilions and
rain shelters If you’re in an open area, drop anything you’re carrying,
get away from other people and crouch down as low as possible
• Seek safety in an enclosed car

Close the windows Convertibles and cars with plastic or fiberglass
roofs and sides won’t protect you Get off bicycles and motorcycles
• Don’t touch metal objects
Drop metal items — such as golf clubs, tools or tennis rackets —
which conduct lightning
• Don’t mix water with lightning

Get out of and away from water — it conducts electricity Don’t
wash your hands, and don’t do the dishes or the laundry Get out
of the shower or tub
• Turn it off and hang it up

Don’t use electrical appliances or talk on the phone Lightning can
follow electrical wires and phone lines into your home 49
48 Handling a medical emergency

Keep the numbers of emergency services, such as your doctor, fire
department and police, next to your phone Take the time to learn
basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) If your area is served by
911, call that number first
• Stay calm
Speak slowly and clearly when describing the incident
• Be exact about your location
Give your name, phone number, address, apartment number, city
or town, and directions, including landmarks or cross streets
• Describe the type of help you need

Is it medical, police or fire assistance?

44 Mayo Clinic