Active Transportation in the River Valley

We’re seeing increasingly stormy weather which should not hinder our active transportation, we
just need to be clever about it. So, direct from the weather whiz kids.com. When you’re out and
about keep one eye on the sky or on your favourite weather app, and you’ll be fine, particularly if
you follow these guidelines:

Remember: All thunderstorms produce lightning and are dangerous. If you hear the sound of
thunder, then you are in danger from lightning. Lightning kills between 75 to 100 people each
year and being outdoors significantly increases your risk of getting hit
A THUNDERSTORM WATCH means a thunderstorm is possible for your area.
A THUNDERSTORM WARNING means a thunderstorm is taking place in your area.
IF YOU’RE OUTDOORS:
 Keep an eye at the sky. Look for darkening skies, flashes of lightning, or increasing
winds. Lightning often proceeds rain, so don’t wait for the rain to begin. If you hear the
sound of thunder, go to a safe place immediately.
 The best place is a sturdy building. Avoid sheds, picnic areas, baseball dugouts and
bleachers.
 If there is no shelter around you, stay away from trees. Crouch down in the open area,
keeping twice as far away from a tree as far as it is tall. Put your feet together and place
your hands over your ears to minimize hearing damage from thunder.
 If you’re with a group of people stay about 15 feet from each other.
IF SOMEONE IS STRUCK BY LIGHTNING:
 Call for help. Call 9-1-1 or send for help immediately.
 The injured person does not carry an electrical charge, so it is okay to touch them.

Produced by Karly Coleman.