Officials Give Safety Tips for Stormy Weather

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Columbia , S.C. (WOLO) — Midlands residents are keeping an eye on the skies this week as storms continue to roll through and emergency management officials are reminding people to keep safety in mind. “You have to be aware of what’s going on around you, you notice when a major storms happening and you need to try and stay at home,” said Lexington County Emergency Manager Bo Davenport. Inside the Emergency Management Center for Lexington County, Davenport said summer is prime time for tornadoes, lightning and flooding. He explained each year in South Carolina, up to 10 fatalities occur from lightning related incidents. “If you hear a roar or a sound of thunder, you’re within probably the zone of lightning,” said Davenport. “At that point, you need to take cover inside, there is no safe place outside.” It’s been deja vu for the Midlands the last several days, with storms rolling through damaging some local businesses and leaving behind signs of flooding. Davenport stressed the importance of paying attention to weather alerts and warnings. “If you see water rising at an abnormal level, do not drive your car into it and try to test it out because you can stall out and become a victim as the water continues to rise,” explained Davenport. “You need to avoid those areas, turn around and just wait, you have time to live.” You can access weather alerts and special statements at your fingertips by downloading the ABC Columbia App. Officials also said to visit the National Weather Service website, NOAA, and the Lexington County Emergency Management websites for up to date weather information.