Lightning Strikes

When you think about dangerous storms, tornadoes and hurricanes probably come to mind first. While it's true that they are quite dangerous, it is important to note that lightning storms kill more people than both tornadoes and hurricanes combined.  Lightning is the #2 storm killer in the United States, after floods. 

But with lightning, it's not just death you have to worry about.  Only 10% of people who are struck by lightening die -- the rest suffer lifelong injury and disability.  Some people lose limbs, others are paralyzed, and some people suffer from permanent brain damage.  They say you are more likely to get struck by lightning than to win the lottery.  But the fact of the matter is people win the lottery every day, and people get struck by lightning every day.  If you don't take the proper precautions, it could be you.

Act Quickly
As soon as a storm approaches, seek shelter.  There is no reason to wait.  A good rule of thumb is the 30-second rule.  When you see lightning, count the time until you hear thunder. If this time is 30-seconds or less, seek proper shelter immediately.  If it's going to take you a while to reach your shelter, don't even bother counting.  Just get there as soon as you can.  Many lightning related tragedies have occurred to people who are just a few steps away from their shelter.  If they had started toward it a few minutes earlier, they would have been safe.

Get Inside!
The most important thing for you to remember is that NO place outside is safe.  You are much more vulnerable to lightning if you are outside than if you are inside   If a storm comes, don't take your chances -- get yourself and all children and pets inside as soon as possible. 

The best shelter is a well-constructed building, such as a house, school, library, or other building with metal in its frame.  Wooden barns or small shacks do not provide nearly as much protection. 

If you are not near a house or building, take shelter in your car.  Cars are actually very good places to be in lightning storms, as the metal sides will conduct the lightning's electricity away from your body and into the ground. 

Don't Reach Out
Once you're inside, be careful not to make any connection with the outside world.  Electricity travels in many ways and it can reach you easily.  Never use a corded telephone in a lightning storm. Stay away from electrical appliances, light switches, and electric sockets.  Do not turn on the faucet or the shower as the lightning's electricity can travel through the water.  Don't go near windows or doorways.  Instead, stay cozy in the middle of inner rooms.

The same rule applies if you are in a car.  Sit in the middle of the seat, as far from the windows as possible.  Keep your hands in your lap, and don't touch the steering wheel, ignition, gear shifter, or radio.  Electricity could travel through the wiring and into your body. 

Danger Spots
If you are stuck outside during a thunderstorm, do you best to avoid the most dangerous spots.  These include tall objects such as trees and light posts, open areas such as farms and playing fields, metal objects such as fences and bleachers, and all water, including pools, fountains, lakes, and the ocean.