Lightning is more dangerous than you think
The following web story is a direct transcription from the National Weather Service regarding lightning awareness week. This is the first of a five part series on lightning safety which will run each day during New York's lightning safety awareness week. Today’s topic will focus on an introduction to lightning and lightning safety.
In the United States each year, about 25 million clouds to ground lightning strikes occur. Each one of these 25 million flashes is a potential killer. During the last 30 years, lightning has killed an average of 62 people per year in the United States. By comparison, 54 people are killed by tornadoes, on average during a given year. Since lightning only claims one or two victims at a time and does not leave massive destruction behind, it usually receives much less attention than the more destructive storm related killers. Lightning also injures 300 people per year, although undocumented injuries are likely higher. A lack of understanding regarding the danger of lightning is a big problem in the United States. Many people do not act to protect themselves in a timely fashion due to a lack of knowledge. This can lead to very tragic consequences.
Education and awareness are important to reducing the number of people struck by lightning. This includes informing the public on what behavior puts them at risk and knowing what to do to reduce that risk. Those involved in outdoor activities, especially those in charge, should have and follow a specific lightning safety plan to minimize dangers to participants and spectators.
The greatest number of lightning deaths and injuries occurs during summer months, when lightning and outdoor events reach their peaks. During the summer, people venture outside more often and put themselves at greater risk of being struck. While nearly all people take some protective action during the most dangerous part of storms, many leave themselves vulnerable as storms approach, are nearby, or depart. Lightning can strike up to 25 miles from the parent thunderstorm. If you hear thunder, you can be struck by lightning.
Use the 30-30 rule where visibility is good and there is nothing obstructing your view of the storm. When you see lightning, count the time until you hear thunder. If that time is 30 seconds or less, the storm is within 6 miles of you and is dangerous. Seek shelter immediately. The threat of lightning continues for much longer than most people realize. Wait at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder before leaving shelter. Don’t be fooled by sunshine or blue sky.
Inside homes, people must avoid activities that put them at risk of a possible lightning strike. Stay away from doors and windows and avoid contact with anything that conducts electricity. Well before the storm threatens, unplug electrical equipment to protect property within the home.
In the event a person is struck by lightning, immediate medical care may be necessary to save the victim’s life. Lightning victims do not carry an electrical charge. Cardiac arrest, burns, and nerve damage are common in people who have been struck by lightning. However, with proper treatment including CPR, most victims survive. Unfortunately, the long term affects on their lives can be devastating.
The topics for the remainder of the week are:
Tuesday: The science of lightning.
Wednesday: Lightning safety outdoors.
Thursday: Lightning safety indoors.
Friday: The medical aspects of lightning.
