| USA. 2006 lightning strikes running nearly three times the average in May |
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| Thursday, 22 June 2006 | |
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Environmental news: Progress Energy Florida urges customers to learn more about lightning dangers. With a single strike, lightning carries enough electricity to light and cool an indoor stadium, and generates temperatures three times hotter than those found on the surface of the sun. The National Weather Service reports an estimated 25 million cloud-to-ground lightning flashes each year. Lightning, and the storms that accompany it, also poses a threat to electric facilities and a very real danger to people. Thus far in 2006, Progress Energy Florida's service area has experienced nearly three times the average number of lightning strikes. And with the corresponding wind and storms, the effect has been more power outages. Summer marks the height of lightning season. That's why the National Weather Service has declared this week Lightning Safety Awareness Week. Progress Energy is encouraging customers to learn about the dangers of lightning and take action to protect lives and expensive household appliances and electronics. While every lightning strike does not hit Progress Energy wires, poles and equipment, there is a direct correlation between lightning and power reliability. Not only does lightning cause voltage sags and momentary interruptions, but the accompanying high winds frequently cause trees and limbs to come in contact with the lines, often resulting in outages -- sometimes extended. "Lightning is a continuing threat to our electrical infrastructure," said Michael A. Lewis, vice president of Distribution Engineering and Operations for Progress Energy Florida. "We work hard to minimize the impact of storms on reliability by continuing to maintain our system, respond quickly to outages and by proactively trimming trees near power lines." Not only is lightning powerful, it's unpredictable, so homeowners who think they can protect their appliances and electronics simply by unplugging them when not in use are mistaken. If you hear thunder, it may be too late. Lightning can -- and does -- strike homes from miles away without any warning at all. Progress Energy offers a Surge Protection Service to protect home appliances and electronics against damage by lightning strikes. For more information, visit www.endzaps.com or call 866-END-ZAPS. Meanwhile, when storms threaten, get to a safe place and avoid contact with anything that conducts electricity. Here are a few other safety tips for storm and lightning season: Monitor local weather conditions regularly with a special weather radio or AM/FM radio. Stay indoors in an inside room away from doors and windows and electrical outlets. Recognize the signs of an oncoming thunder and lightning storm -- towering clouds with a "cauliflower" shape, dark skies and distant rumbles of thunder or flashes of lightning. Do not wait for lightning to strike nearby before taking cover. If you are swimming, fishing or boating and there are clouds, dark skies and distant rumbles of thunder or flashes of lightning, get to land immediately and seek shelter. |
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| Last Updated ( Thursday, 22 June 2006 ) |
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