Tips from Olle Garden Bed: Stay Safe in the Garden during Stormy Weather

Spring and summer are gardening seasons, and the hot summer weather signals the stormy season for much of the country. It is important to understand how to stay safe in the garden during thunderstorms because dangerous weather can suddenly occur with little warning, and gardens and lightning can be a very bad combination.The following content also has some reference value for raised garden beds.

Gardens and Lightning

While thunderstorms can be fascinating, they are extremely dangerous. Studies show that 240,000 people worldwide are injured by lightning strikes every year, with 24,000 fatalities.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reports that an average of 51 people in the United States die from lightning strikes each year. Safety should always be taken seriously in the garden or any outdoor environment.

Lightning Safety Tips

Here are some tips to stay safe in the garden, especially when a storm is approaching:

1. Monitor the weather. Watch for sudden gusts of wind, darkening skies, or the gathering of dark clouds.
2. Seek shelter immediately upon hearing thunder, and remain there until 30 minutes after the last thunderclap.
3. Remember: If you can hear thunder, you are in danger of being struck by lightning if you are close enough. Do not wait to seek shelter. Lightning can sometimes come "out of the blue," even if you cannot see clouds.
4. If you feel your hair stand on end, seek shelter immediately.
5. If you are not at home, seek fully enclosed buildings or fully enclosed vehicles with metal roofs. Gazebos or sheds do not provide sufficient protection.
6. Avoid open areas and conductive objects such as individual trees, windmills, barbed wire fences, metal fences, bicycles, flagpoles, or clotheslines. Even small metal objects like gardening tools can conduct electricity and cause severe burns during thunderstorms.
7. Stay away from concrete walls or floors and avoid leaning against concrete structures during thunderstorm weather. Lightning can easily pass through metal rods in concrete.
8. Keep away from water sources, including swimming pools, hot tubs, garden ponds, or streams. Avoid high places; look for low-lying areas like ravines, ditches, or gullies.
9. If you cannot reach a safe building, crouch down with your hands on your knees and your head bent down like a baseball catcher. Do not lie flat on the ground.

By following these safety tips, we can create a safe environment in the garden while enjoying the wonders of nature. Let's stay vigilant and ensure the safety of ourselves and others in the garden. May everyone find peace and joy in this oasis of nature.