Monday, July 19, 2010

Nature: Beauty, Power, Mercy

It’s that time of year when Nature is resplendent with her beauty and her power. For me, appreciating her beauty goes along with respecting her power. In Upstate New York and New England, we have been having thunder storms. Seeing them, I am in touch with how very small I am in comparison. I contemplate the meaning of mercy.

This post is just a reminder to all to practice safety as we enjoy the bounty of Nature. This means staying hydrated, wearing sun block, checking ourselves for ticks and exercising caution when there is a chance of thunder storms. Below is an excerpt from the most recent newsletter for the "Adirondack Mountain Club “.

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UNSAFE SHELTER AREAS include all outdoor metal objects, like power poles, fences and gates, high mast light poles, metal bleachers, electrical equipment, mowing and road machinery. AVOID solitary trees. AVOID water. AVOID open fields. AVOID high ground and caves.

4. Lightning's distance from you is easy to calculate: If you hear thunder, the associated lightning is within audible range ... about 6-8 miles away. The distance from Strike A to Strike B also can be 6-8 miles. Suspend activities, allowing sufficient time to get to shelter. Of course, different distances to safety will determine different times to suspend activities. A good lightning safety motto is: If you can see it (lightning), flee it; if you can hear it (thunder), clear it.
The 30/30 Rule says to shut down when lightning is six miles away. Use a "flash to bang" (lightning to thunder) count of five seconds equals one mile (10 = 2 miles; 20 = 4 miles; 30 = 6 miles).

5. If you feel your hair standing on end, and/or hear "crackling noises," you are in lightning's electric field. If caught outside during close-in lightning, immediately remove metal objects (including baseball cap), place your feet together, duck your head, and crouch down low in baseball catcher's stance with hands on knees.

6. Wait a minimum of 30 minutes from the last observed lightning or thunder before resuming activities. Be extra cautious during this phase as the storm may not be over.

7. People who have been struck by lightning do not carry an electrical charge and are safe to handle. Apply first aid immediately if you are qualified to do so. Get emergency help promptly.

References:

Adirondack Mountain Club website: http://www.adk.org/

National Weather Service website: www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov

Center for Disease Control website: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/lyme/

Mayo Clinic website: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dehydration/DS00561/DSECTION=symptoms