The National Weather Service is promoting lightning safety during the week of June 22-28.
This year's message is, "When thunder roars, go indoors!"
On average, lightning kills and injures more people in the western portion of the United States than any other thunderstorm hazard. Although lightning can occur at any time of the year, it is most common during the summer months.
The Grand Junction office of the NWS has issued the following safety reminders:
NO PLACE outside is safe when thunderstorms are in the area!
If you hear thunder, lightning is close enough to strike you.
When you hear thunder, immediately move to safe shelter: a substantial building with electricity or plumbing or an enclosed, metal-topped vehicle with windows up.
Stay in safe shelter at least 30 minutes after you hear the last sound of thunder.
Lightning safety also is important indoors:
Stay off corded phones, computers and other electrical equipment that put you in direct contact with electricity.
Avoid plumbing, including sinks, baths and faucets.
Stay away from windows and doors, and stay off porches.
Do not lie on concrete floors, and do not lean against concrete walls.
If you are caught outside with no safe shelter anywhere nearby the following actions may reduce your risk:
Immediately get off elevated areas such as hills, mountain ridges or peaks
Never lie flat on the ground
Never shelter under an isolated tree
Never use a cliff or rocky overhang for shelter
Immediately get out and away from ponds, lakes and other bodies of water
Stay away from objects that conduct electricity (barbed wire fences, power lines, windmills, etc.)
