Middlesex County Urges Awareness of Lightning Safety

MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ - The Middlesex County Office of Emergency Management and Preparedness is reminding residents to stay vigilant during thunderstorms and take immediate action to protect themselves from lightning.

Residents are encouraged to follow these important safety tips:

• Seek shelter immediately in a substantial building or a hard-topped vehicle.
• Avoid open areas such as fields, hilltops, beaches, and bodies of water.
• Stay away from trees, utility poles, and metal objects, which can conduct electricity.
• If driving, safely pull over if conditions become hazardous and remain in your vehicle until the storm has passed.
• Monitor local weather forecasts and emergency alerts for the latest information and changing conditions.

Lightning can strike up to 10 miles away from a storm. Residents must seek shelter as soon as they hear thunder and not wait until rain starts.

Residents are encouraged to report storm-related issues or impacts in their neighborhoods to the Middlesex County Office of Emergency Management and Preparedness by calling 732-316-7100, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

For severe weather preparedness information and emergency safety resources, visit middlesexcountynj.gov/beready. And for additional lightning safety tips from the National Weather Service, click here.

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