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ORANGE COUNTY <br />BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br />ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT <br />Meeting Date: June 8, 2004 <br />Action Agenda <br />Item No. <br />SUBJECT: Lightning Safety Awareness Week <br />DEPARTMENT: Emergency Management PUBLIC HEARING: (YIN) No <br />ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: <br />Proclamation Eric Griffin, 968-2050 <br />TELEPHONE NUMBERS: <br />Hillsborough 732-8181 <br />Chapel Hill 968-4501 <br />Durham 688-7331 <br />Mebane 336-227-2031 <br />PURPOSE: To designate the week of June 20th through 26th, 2004 as Lightning Safety <br />Awareness Week in Orange County. <br />BACKGROUND: The National Weather Service has proclaimed the week of June 20`h through <br />26th, 2004 as Lightning Safety Awareness Week. The Orange County Department of <br />Emergency Management encourages all residents to use this time to educate their families <br />about safe practices indoors and outdoors when lightning threatens. <br />According to the Raleigh office of the National Weather Service, at least six people were killed <br />in North Carolina in 2003 from lightning strikes, including one death in Orange County that <br />occurred last summer. <br />Residents are reminded that if they are caught outside during a lightning storm, they should gc <br />to the nearest substantial structure immediately, or to a metal topped vehicle with the windows <br />rolled up. Lightning can strike, and kill, six miles away from the originating cloud. When the <br />elapsed time from lightning flash to sound of thunder is 30 seconds or less, a person is in <br />immediate danger of being struck. If thunder can be heard, lightning strikes are possible. <br />Residents are also encouraged to stay safe while inside. Do not use a corded telephone during <br />a lightning storm. Additionally, stay away from pipes and wires that lead to the outside. <br />Residents should also not forget outdoor pets as dog houses are not lightning safe and an <br />animal restrained to a tree can easily fall victim to a lightning strike. <br />FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no significant financial impact to Orange County. <br />RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve the proclamation <br />designating the week of .June 20th through 26th, 2004, as Lightning Safety Awareness Week in <br />Orange County, and encourage residents to learn more about lightning safety. <br />