Murphy, NC Real Estate.
Exit Realty
Kathy & Corky Vetten
With Summer here we see lots of rain (as we are now) and even the flashes of lightning are a common sight. Below are some facts about lightning that you might find interesting.
According to the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research:
“Lightning is an electric current, and just like the electricity lurking in the outlets in your house, it can be deadly. Have you ever gotten a shock by shuffling across a carpet and then touching something made of metal? Then you’ve experienced the same process that makes lightning.
Within a thundercloud, many small bits of ice bump into each other as they swirl around in the air. All those collisions create an electrical charge, just like the one that built up in you when you crossed the carpet.
After a while, the whole cloud fills up with electrical charges (usually with a negative charge closest to the earth). Since opposites attract each other, that causes a positive charge to build up on the ground beneath the cloud. The ground’s electrical charge concentrates around anything that sticks up, such as mountains, lone trees, people, or even blades of grass. The charge streaming up from these points eventually connects with a charge reaching down from the clouds, and–zap!–lightning strikes.
The intense heat of the lightning bolt causes the surrounding air to explode outward with a gigantic boom–thunder.” (1)
Here are some facts:
Myth: Rubber tires on a car protect you from lightning by insulating you from the ground.
Fact: Most cars are safe from lightning, but it is the metal roof and metal sides that protect you, NOT the rubber tires. Remember, convertibles, motorcycles, bicycles, open-shelled outdoor recreational vehicles and cars with fiberglass shells offer no protection from lightning. When lightning strikes a vehicle, it goes through the metal frame into the ground. Don’t lean on doors during a thunderstorm. (2)
Also as the National Weather Service advises “Don’t be the tallest object in the area. Stay away from isolated tall trees, towers or utility poles. Lightning tends to strike the taller objects in an area. Stay away from metal conductors such as wires or fences. Metal does not attract lightning, but lightning can travel long distances through it. If you are with a group of people, spread out. While this actually increases the chance that someone might get struck, it tends to prevent multiple casualties, and increases the chances that someone could help if a person is struck.” (3)
Lastly, contrary to certain beliefs victims struck by lightning do NOT give off any electrical charge so in the event that someone is struck by lightning call 911 and give first aid if necessary.
Be safe this summer as you enjoy the mountains and all that Murphy, NC has to offer. Remember to stop in to Exit Realty for local maps to attractions for your summer outings.
Sources:
1. https://www.ucar.edu/communications/infopack/lightning/kids.html
2. http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/myths.shtml
3. http://www.nws.noaa.gov/os/lightning/resources/lightning-safety.pdf
Home & Land Packages
Homes include Log Style Log Siding, Metal Roof, Full Covered Front Porches, All Wood Interior or Sheet Rock, Custom Hand Made Cabinets, Granite Counter Tops, Kitchen Appliances, Stack Stone Gas Log Fireplaces. There are multiple building plans to choose from or design your own. There are various locations to choose your home site:
Lake Wells Deerfield Lakewood Cove Meadow Brook
Fox Ridge Murphys Cove The Meadows at Fox Ridge
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Contact Kathy Vetten:
828-361-0360 (cell)
828-837-2288 (office)
www.kathyvetten.com
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