Lightning

lightning
Lightning

Lightning is a common occurrence in the park, especially at higher elevations. It is important to be cautious during thunderstorms to ensure you and your family's safety.

Safety Tips:
• If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning. Lightning can strike up to 10 miles away from where it is raining.

• Be sure to check the weather report before planning any outdoor activities.

• At the first sound of thunder seek shelter immediately.

• Do not seek shelter under trees.

• If no shelter is available and you must remain outdoors be sure to avoid open fields, ridge lines, hill tops, isolated trees, and other tall objects.

• Avoid water and other wet areas.

• Avoid metal objects such as fences and poles.

• Keep in mind that the tram at Pipestem Resort State Park will often shut down temporarily during lightning storms.

Lightning First Aid:
• Call 911

• If you are still within an active thunderstorm consider moving the victim to a safer location.

• Lightning victims do not carry an electrical charge. They are safe to touch and they need immediate medical attention.

• Deaths occurring due to lightning strikes typically result from cardiac arrest. Do not delay CPR if the victim is unresponsive or not breathing.

Statistics:
• According to the National Weather Service, lightning causes an average of 62 deaths and 300 injuries in the United States every year.

• Lightning hits the earth an estimated 100 times per second on average, or 8.6 million times a day.

• It is estimated that the U.S. alone receives as many as 20 million cloud-to-ground lightning strikes per year from perhaps as many as 100,000 thunderstorms.

Last updated: January 30, 2015

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

Gauley River National Recreation Area
P.O. Box 246

Glen Jean, WV 25846-0246

Phone:

304-465-0508

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