HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 06-08-2004-6aORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: June 8, 2004
Action Agenda
Item No.
SUBJECT: Lightning Safety Awareness Week
DEPARTMENT: Emergency Management PUBLIC HEARING: (YIN) No
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Proclamation Eric Griffin, 968-2050
TELEPHONE NUMBERS:
Hillsborough 732-8181
Chapel Hill 968-4501
Durham 688-7331
Mebane 336-227-2031
PURPOSE: To designate the week of June 20th through 26th, 2004 as Lightning Safety
Awareness Week in Orange County.
BACKGROUND: The National Weather Service has proclaimed the week of June 20`h through
26th, 2004 as Lightning Safety Awareness Week. The Orange County Department of
Emergency Management encourages all residents to use this time to educate their families
about safe practices indoors and outdoors when lightning threatens.
According to the Raleigh office of the National Weather Service, at least six people were killed
in North Carolina in 2003 from lightning strikes, including one death in Orange County that
occurred last summer.
Residents are reminded that if they are caught outside during a lightning storm, they should gc
to the nearest substantial structure immediately, or to a metal topped vehicle with the windows
rolled up. Lightning can strike, and kill, six miles away from the originating cloud. When the
elapsed time from lightning flash to sound of thunder is 30 seconds or less, a person is in
immediate danger of being struck. If thunder can be heard, lightning strikes are possible.
Residents are also encouraged to stay safe while inside. Do not use a corded telephone during
a lightning storm. Additionally, stay away from pipes and wires that lead to the outside.
Residents should also not forget outdoor pets as dog houses are not lightning safe and an
animal restrained to a tree can easily fall victim to a lightning strike.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no significant financial impact to Orange County.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve the proclamation
designating the week of .June 20th through 26th, 2004, as Lightning Safety Awareness Week in
Orange County, and encourage residents to learn more about lightning safety.
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
A PROCLAMATION
LIGHTNING SAFETY AWARENESS WEEK
June 20th through 26th, 2004
WHEREAS, The National Weather Service has proclaimed the week of June 20 through 26,
2004 as Lightning Safety Awareness Week; and
WHEREAS, Orange County frequently experiences electrical storms during the summer
months when outdoor activities are popular; and
WHEREAS, Lightning kills an average of 73 people in the United States each year; and
WHEREAS, Lightning killed at least six North Carolinians in 2003, including one individual in
Orange County; and,
WHEREAS, The most dangerous place for people and pets is to be outside during a lightning
storm; and
WHEREAS, The need for residents to learn more about lightning and how to protect
themselves should be emphasized;
NOW THEREFORE, The Orange County Board of Commissioners hereby proclaims the week
of .June 20 through 26, 2004, as Lightning Safety Awareness Week, and
encourages all residents to learn more about lightning and be aware of its
dangers, especially during the summer months,
Adopted this 8th day of June, 2004,
Barry Jacobs, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners