Each year, lightning causes dozensbrof deaths, thousands of fires, and billions of dollars in property damage. It’sbrsmart to learn as much as you can about lightning so you can take steps tobrprotect yourself, your loved ones and your property against one of nature’sbrmost dangerous phenomena.
Most lightning deaths and injuriesbrin the United States occur during the summer months, when lightning strikes arebrmore frequent and outdoor activities are at their peak, so when enjoyingbroutdoor activities it’s important to pay attention to the weather and takebrappropriate actions in a timely manner when thunderstorms approach.
Did you know that:
- When it comes to lightning, rubber shoes do nothing tobr protect you?
- In the home, talking on a wired landline telephone isbr the leading cause of lightning injuries? Cordless phones are safe to use.
- You should not seek shelter in a lightning storm underbr a tall tree? That’s one of the most dangerous places to be.
Flash facts
Here are some facts about lightning excerpted from National Geographic News, FlashbrFacts About Lightning:
- Lightning is a giant discharge of electricity accompaniedbr by a brilliant flash of light and a loud crack of thunder. The spark canbr reach over five miles, raise the temperature of the air by as much asbr 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit and contain a hundred million electrical volts.
- The Fourth of July is historically one of thebr most deadly times of the year for lightning in the U.S. Inbr summer, especially on a holiday, more people are on the beach, golfbr course, mountains, or ball fields. Outdoor chores such as lawn mowing orbr house painting are at their peak.
- If you can hear thunder, you can be struck by lightning — seek shelter.
- Use the 30-30 rule. Whenbr you see lightning, count the time until you hear thunder. If it’s 30br seconds or less, you are within six miles of the storm and should seekbr shelter immediately.
- Don’t be fooled by sunshine or blue sky! Wait at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunderbr before leaving shelter.
- Swimming is particularly dangerous. Water conducts electricity and swimmers protrude frombr the water, offering a potential channel for electrical discharge.
- At home, avoid contact with anything that conductsbr electricity:
- Stay away from windows and doors
- Don’t use wired landline telephones
- Don’t lie on a concrete floor (it likely contains abr wire mesh)
- Avoid contact with concrete walls (they may containbr metal reinforcing bars)
- Avoid washers and dryers
- Unplug electronic equipment
- Don’t wash dishes or your hands
- Don’t shower, bathe or do laundry
- Always avoid being the highest object or taking shelterbr near or under the highest object,br including tall trees and umbrellas. Lightning is “lazy,” and usually takesbr the shortest path to earth, striking the tallest object. Don’t let that bebr you.
- If someone is struck by lightning, call 911br immediately. Lightning often causes cardiac arrest. Check for respirationbr and a heartbeat. If the victim isn’t breathing and doesn’t have abr heartbeat, immediately begin CPR and continue until emergency medical helpbr arrives.
Flash fiction
Here are some misconceptions about lightning excerpted from National GeographicbrNews, Flash Facts About Lightning3:
- Surge protectors offer protection against directbr lightning strikes. False.br They don’t! Unplug equipment such as computers and televisions.
- Don’t touch a lightning victim — you could getbr electrocuted. False. People who’ve been electrocutedbr don’t retain the charge and are not “electrified.” It’s safe to helpbr them.
- Rubber shoes provide meaningful protection from lightning. False. They don’t.
- Lightning doesn’t strike the same place twice. False. It can — and often does. Tall buildings andbr monuments are frequently hit by lightning.
If the worst occurs
While your chances of being struck by lightning are rare, it does happen.brShould the worst happen to you, would your family be able to maintain theirbrstandard of living? Make sure the answer is yes. Whether you’re just gettingbrstarted with life insurance or have had insurance for years, there’s a lot tobrlearn. I want to help you understand the basics and feel confident that you’rebrmaking informed choices.
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