Colington Volunteer Fire Department

Kill Devil Hills, NC

Lightning Safety

Summer is the peak time of the year for lightning strikes and lightning fires, especially on the Outer Banks. However, lightning does occur year round.  It’s important to be prepared.  Did you know that lightning can reach up to 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit?  That’s hotter than the surface of the Sun!  According to the National Weather Service, lightning starts an average of 4,400 house fires annually and countless outdoor fires.

You may have heard the phrase, “When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors”.  If you can hear thunder, you are within striking distance of lightning. Look for shelter inside a home, large building, or a hard-topped vehicle right away. Do not go under tall tress for shelter. There is no place outside that is safe during a thunderstorm.  Wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder before leaving your shelter.  From 2004 to 2013, there were 13 lightning fatalities in NC.  North Carolina is in the top 10 nationwide for lightning fatalities, according to the NWS.

  • Stay away from windows and doors.
  • If you are in or on open water, go to land and seek shelter immediately.  Get out of the water!
  • If you feel your hair stand on end, that means lightning is about to strike, put your feet together and squat low to the ground. Place your hands over your ears and duck your head. Make yourself the smallest target possible and minimize your contact with the ground. Do not lie flat on the ground. This is a last resort when a building or hard-topped vehicle is not available.
  • Protect your pets: Dog houses are not safe shelters. Dogs that are chained to trees or on metal runners are particularly vulnerable to lightning strikes.

If a person is struck by lightning, call 9-1-1 and get medical care immediately. Lightning strike victims carry no electrical charge so give them assistance immediately. Check their breathing, heartbeat, and pulse. CPR may be needed.

At home during storms, unplug appliances and other electrical items, like computers and TV’s, and turn off air conditioners before the storm (to reduce the chance of being electrocuted). If you are unable to unplug them, turn them off. Stay off corded phones, computers, and other electronic equipment that put you in direct contact with electricity or plumbing. Avoid washing your hands, bathing, doing laundry, or washing dishes.

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  • RT @NC_OSFM: Christmas Day and Christmas Eve are among the leading days of the year for U.S. home fires. If you're hosting overnight guests… Time ago 38 Days via Twitter for Android
  • RT @NWSMoreheadCity: The projected highs for Christmas Day will be the coldest highs on Christmas Day since the late 90s or early 2000s. Do… Time ago 38 Days via Twitter for Android
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Colington Volunteer Fire Department

Colington Volunteer Fire Department

The Mission of the Colington Volunteer Fire Department is to improve the quality of life for residen

Colington Volunteer Fire Department
1 week ago
Colington Volunteer Fire Department

A cool video about a cool copter. Dare Med Flight. ... See MoreSee Less

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Colington Volunteer Fire Department
2 weeks ago
Colington Volunteer Fire Department

Sending a big Happy Birthday to one of our awesome Volunteer Firefighters, Wesley McNaughton! We're glad to have you on our team. ... See MoreSee Less

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Happy Birthday Wesley!!!

Happy Birthday 🎂🎊🎁

Happy Birthday 🎂🎊🎉

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday 🎂🎊🎈

Happy birthday

Happy birthday

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Colington Volunteer Fire Department
3 weeks ago
Colington Volunteer Fire Department

Happy Birthday to one of our newest career firefighters, Jesse Whiddon. Thank you for being a valuable part of the CVFD team. Have a great day Jesse! ... See MoreSee Less

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Thank you Jesse and Happy Birthday....

Happy Birthday Jesse!!

Happy Birthday!🎂🎉🎈

Happy birthday!!

Happy Birthday!🎉🎂🎈

Happy Birthday 🎉🎊🎁

Happy birthday

Happy Birthday 🎂🎉🎈

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2022 Monthly Calls

MonthEMSFire
Jan4515
Feb3810
Mar3517
Apr4014
May5519
Jun4411
Jul4520
Aug3817
Sep3318
Oct4311
Nov355
Dec4217
Total493174

2021 Monthly Calls

MonthEMSFire
Jan4415
Feb487
Mar4711
Apr6326
May3812
Jun4828
Jul4224
Aug4621
Sep4512
Oct5112
Nov5114
Dec4810
Total571192

Contact Information

Colington Volunteer Fire Department
108 Schoolhouse Rd
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948

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Phone

Emergency: 911
Phone: 252.441.6234

Weather Forecast

Kill Devil Hills, NC
46°
sunny
52% humidity
wind: 3mph W
H 46 • L 42
46°
Sat
49°
Sun
48°
Mon
46°
Tue

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