Lightning

Lightning is a dangerous threat to people in the United States, particularly those outside in the summertime, the peak season for lightning. Across the United States each year an estimated 25 million cloud-to-ground lightning strikes occur. Each flash is a potential danger. An average of 73 people are killed each year in the U.S, more than the number of people killed by tornadoes or hurricanes.

 Lightning can strike as far as 10 miles away from the rain area in a thunderstorm, or about the distance you can hear thunder. When a storm is 10 miles away, it may even be difficult to tell a storm is coming.

In addition to the visible flash that travels through the air, the current associated with the lightning discharge travels along the ground. Although some victims are struck directly by the main lightning stroke, many victims are struck as the current moves in and along the ground.

The first stroke of lightning is just as deadly as the last. If the sky looks threatening, people should take shelter even before they hear thunder.

Safety Tips

Be aware of developing thunderstorms. IF YOU CAN HEAR THUNDER, YOU ARE WITHIN STRIKING DISTANCE. SEEK SAFE SHELTER IMMEDIATELY.

• When you see lightning, count the time until you hear thunder. If that time is 30 seconds or less, the thunderstorm is within six miles of you and is dangerous. Seek shelter immediately.
• Wait at least 30 minutes after the last lightning flash before leaving shelter. Don't be fooled by sunshine or blue sky. The threat of lightning continues for much longer period than most people realize.
• Those involved in boating, swimming, fishing, bicycling, golfing, jogging, walking, hiking, camping, or working out of doors need to take shelter quickly when thunderstorms approach.
• Where organized sports activities are taking place, coaches, umpires, referees, or camp counselors must protect the safety of the participants by stopping the activities before the lightning threat becomes significant so that participants and spectators can get to a safe place.
• Those in charge of organized outdoor activities should develop and follow a plan to keep participants and spectators safe from lightning.
• Inside homes, people should stay away from windows and doors and avoid contact with anything that conducts electricity.
• To protect property within their homes, people should unplug electronic equipment well before the storm.

If lightning strikes

If someone is struck by lightning, medical care may be needed immediately to save his or her life. Call 9-1-1. Cardiac arrest and irregularities, burns, and nerve damage are common in cases where people are struck by lightning.

http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/

« this page last modified 05/24/04 »