Obama Scared Of A Little Shock…

On Monday, President Obama started his Memorial Day Speech in front of huge crowds of people in the middle of a torrential downpour. With severe lighting stoms close by, Obama seemed a little distracted at first – the wind and  rain lashing at the free world’s  leader from all angles.

Within a few minutes, Obama realised that he (and everyone else present), may be in a little bit of danger…

“We’re a little concerned about Lightning … a little but of rain won’t hurt anybody, but we don’t want anyone getting struck by lighting”

And with that the president was off, advising the crowds to return to their cars and wait out the storm.

We’d have to say that once again, the US President was spot on to stop the speech and advise people to return to their cars. A car is one of the safest places you can be during a lightning storm, as the car forms a Faraday Cage; preventing external electricity from entering the car and instead guiding it around the car to the earth. So if you do get struck by lightning, a car’s not a bad place to find yourself.

The timing for Obama’s not bad either, considering it’s Illinois’ National Lightning Safety Awareness Week late this month.

Back in the UK, we’re hoping to avoid rain, thunder and lightning all together and the forecasts look promising for at least (!) a few days of proper sunshine this summer. We’re aiming more for the ceiling fans and desk fans than the umbrella’s and hiding from lightning. That said, the summer months do bring with them an increased likelihood of thunder storms as the moisture in the air increases, particularly on very humid days.

So if you do find yourself caught out in a sudden summer storm, make like the President and head for the car (not an open top one of course!).