Safety Tool Box Talk 7-25-2011

1. Where is the safest place to be during a lightning storm?

In the middle of a field

Lying face down on the ground

In a house

During a lightning storm, the safest place to be is in a house. This is because houses provide protection from lightning strikes by acting as a Faraday cage, directing the electrical current around the structure and into the ground. Being inside a house also reduces the risk of being struck by lightning or being affected by secondary hazards such as falling trees or power lines. Lying face down on the ground or being in an open field increases the chances of being struck by lightning, as there is no protection or shelter from the electrical discharge.

Explanation

During a lightning storm, the safest place to be is in a house. This is because houses provide protection from lightning strikes by acting as a Faraday cage, directing the electrical current around the structure and into the ground. Being inside a house also reduces the risk of being struck by lightning or being affected by secondary hazards such as falling trees or power lines. Lying face down on the ground or being in an open field increases the chances of being struck by lightning, as there is no protection or shelter from the electrical discharge.

2. Using a telephone with a cord or a cell phone outdoors during a lightning storm is dangerous.

True

False

Using a telephone with a cord or a cell phone outdoors during a lightning storm is dangerous because both corded and cell phones can conduct electricity. When lightning strikes, it can travel through telephone lines and electrical wires, potentially causing harm to anyone using the phone. Additionally, being outdoors during a lightning storm increases the risk of being struck by lightning, and using a phone increases the chances of being injured if lightning does strike nearby. Therefore, it is important to avoid using phones with cords or cell phones outdoors during a lightning storm to minimize the risk of injury or electrocution.

Explanation

Using a telephone with a cord or a cell phone outdoors during a lightning storm is dangerous because both corded and cell phones can conduct electricity. When lightning strikes, it can travel through telephone lines and electrical wires, potentially causing harm to anyone using the phone. Additionally, being outdoors during a lightning storm increases the risk of being struck by lightning, and using a phone increases the chances of being injured if lightning does strike nearby. Therefore, it is important to avoid using phones with cords or cell phones outdoors during a lightning storm to minimize the risk of injury or electrocution.

3. Would you like your name entered into this week's random drawing? (Please type in either a "yes" or "no". All other answers will be considered incorrect.)

The question asks if the person would like their name entered into the random drawing. The correct answer is "Yes" if the person wants their name entered and "No" if they do not want their name entered.

Explanation

The question asks if the person would like their name entered into the random drawing. The correct answer is "Yes" if the person wants their name entered and "No" if they do not want their name entered.

Submit

4. Where does the largest number of lightening-related injuries and deaths occur?

Florida

Nebraska

New Mexico

Florida experiences the largest number of lightning-related injuries and deaths. This can be attributed to its geographical location, as it is surrounded by warm ocean waters and has a high frequency of thunderstorms. Additionally, Florida is known as the "lightning capital" of the United States, with its flat terrain and tall structures providing ideal conditions for lightning strikes.

Explanation

Florida experiences the largest number of lightning-related injuries and deaths. This can be attributed to its geographical location, as it is surrounded by warm ocean waters and has a high frequency of thunderstorms. Additionally, Florida is known as the "lightning capital" of the United States, with its flat terrain and tall structures providing ideal conditions for lightning strikes.

5. The average number of people who die in the United States each year from being struck by lightning is about

10

100

1,000

On average, around 100 people die in the United States each year from being struck by lightning. This indicates that lightning strikes are a relatively rare cause of death.

Explanation

On average, around 100 people die in the United States each year from being struck by lightning. This indicates that lightning strikes are a relatively rare cause of death.