Maryland County Is First to Tout ‘When Thunder Roars’ Campaign
Rachel Young
NOAA Communications and External Affairs
August 13, 2009 — Howard County, Md., became the first county in the nation to adopt the National Weather Service’s “When Thunder Roars Go Indoors” lightning safety campaign.
Flanked by Howard County, Md., officials, James E. Lee, meteorologist-in-charge of the National Weather Service Baltimore/Washington forecast office, speaks at a local press event in Centennial Park, Md., about thunder as an early warning signal before lightning strikes. Photo credit: Rachel Young, NOAA Communications & External Affairs.
During a news conference in Centennial Park, near Ellicott City, Md., on July 29, county officials unveiled new lightning safety signs to kick off the public safety campaign. “When Thunder Roars Go Indoors” signs were posted at recreation centers, golf courses, parks, and pools to educate people about the danger of lightning and encourage them to quit outdoor activities and head immediately indoors to safety when they hear thunder.
Speaking at the news conference, James Lee, the meteorologist-in-charge of the NWS Baltimore/Washington Forecast Office in Sterling, Va., said, “This event shows the great relationships the Weather Service has built with local governments, which are willing to spend time and resources to promote important weather safety messages.”
The news conference was covered by a number of Baltimore area newspapers and television stations. Fox 45 Chief Meteorologist Vytas Reid recognized the National Weather Service Web site as a reliable and user-friendly source of weather information. He encouraged people to visit the site for regional weather before planning daily activities.
Dr. Peter Beilenson, health officer for Howard County, said too many people have either been injured or died from lightning; he encouraged people to go inside if they hear thunder because “it is just that simple.”