Each year in the United States, it is estimated that lightning strikes the ground more than 25 million times. For the past 30 years, an average of 62 people have been killed each year by lightning strikes. What’s more, while reported injuries due to lightning strikes are greater than 300 per year, the undocumented injuries as a result of lightning are much higher. These sobering numbers don’t reflect the millions of dollars in property damage.
Lightning can travel sideways and strike as far as 10 miles away from the rain area in a thunderstorm. This makes all thunderstorms dangerous, not just those raining right on top of you. In fact, the sky could even look partially blue and clear. When you hear thunder, it is time to take precautionary measures.
In the event of lightning, you should adopt the following safety precautions:
- Keep your eyes and ears open. A sudden temperature change or increase in wind velocity could signal an approaching storm. Check for a darkening sky or tall and rising fluffy white clouds on the horizon. Listen for the rumble of thunder--if you can hear it then you’re within striking distance. Seek safe shelter immediately.
- If conditions look threatening, don’t wait for the rain. Postpone outdoor activities and seek appropriate shelter. Don’t wait too long.
- Have a plan in mind before you head outside for your event. You can save critical minutes if you know what to do.
- If you are caught outside in a thunderstorm, stay away from trees and avoid metal (such as golf clubs or seeking shelter under a tin roof).
- Get out of the water. Get your boat to shore by watching for storms, listening to your weather radio and planning ahead. Keep off of beaches.
- Try to find the lowest possible point if possible. Lightning often strikes taller objects, so be sure you make yourself small and stay away from tall objects. Crouching down if caught outside with no suitable shelter can help, but these techniques are a last resort. Getting to shelter before the storm is most important.
- If you are indoors, stay off phones, computers and other electrical equipment. Stay away from tubs, showers and other plumbing. Buy surge suppressors for key equipment, but nothing is more effective than unplugging valuable electronics.
- Avoid standing near doors and windows whenever possible. While lightning storms can be fascinating, they remain dangerous even if you are indoors.
For more information, visit the National Weather Service.