EMA director offers storm safety advice

Safety preparedness night is planned for Aug. 26 during a Rome Braves game.

Nearly everyone has been taught not to take showers during thunderstorms, but few people know it’s a misconception that rubber tires will protect people in a car from lightning strikes.

Tim Herrington, director of the Floyd County Emergency Management Agency, provided some tips on what not to do during a storm.

“Right now, we’re in our severe weather season,” Herrington said, adding that it usually lasts from March to about October.

For anyone caught outside during a storm, Herrington said the No. 1 goal is to get inside. If that’s not an option, he said to present the smallest target possible and don’t stand under trees.

Although it’s safer to be inside a car than out in a storm, Herrington said not to expect the rubber tires to offer extra protection.

Many people think rubber tires cause some type of grounding action that will keep them from getting electrocuted by the lightning, but that’s not true,

Herrington continued.

The best bet during lightning is to get inside a home or building and stay away from windows, he said.

“You don’t want to be in the shower, washing dishes or talking on landlines,” Herrington continued.

But don’t sit by windows or glass doors, or inside screen porches, he said, because lightning can still strike.

Herrington suggested people download the Floyd County EMA app on their cellphones or check the agency’s Facebook page for severe weather, road closure and power outage updates. The app is free. With safety in mind and National Preparedness Month coming up in September, the EMA is having a preparedness night during the Aug. 26 Rome Braves game at State Mutual Stadium.

First responders and EMA officials will be on site by 3 p.m. to give out safety and preparedness tips and will hand out different items during the game.