The spring and summer seasons are a great time to be outside; but it’s also the time when thunderstorms are most likely to develop, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). And although this is the time of year that they are the most prevalent, they can also occur year round. So keep a watchful eye towards the sky when you’re outside.
It’s important to remember that even though lightning strikes don’t cause as much damage as hurricanes or tornadoes, they can still be very dangerous. According to the NWS, the U.S. averages 300 injuries and 66 deaths per year from lightning strikes. The Red Cross estimates that thousands of men, women and children are struck by lightening each year and that many hundreds of them never even report their injuries.
As part of Lightning Safety Awareness Week, the NWS offers these tips to keep you from serious harm during a thunderstorm and lightning strike:
- If you can hear thunder, then you are within striking distance of lightning because it can strike as far as 10 miles from the area where it’s raining… so seek shelter immediately.
- When playing outdoor sports activities, coaches and adults must stop the activities at the first roar of thunder to ensure that everyone has time to get inside a building or vehicle.
- When you’re inside, stay off corded phones, computers, and other electrical equipment that puts you in direct contact with electricity or plumbing. Wait 30 minutes after the last strike before you go outside.
- If someone is struck by lightning, call 911 to get medical care immediately. You won’t be in danger by helping a lightning victim because the charge will not affect you.
- Remember this motto, “When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors.”
For more information, check out the National Weather Service’s Lightning Safety website.
One Comment on "Don’t Become One Of The Thousands Struck By Lightning This Year!"
d1ck0
Cool website! Good resources here, I will be back!
Deb
Thanks for all the info.. may come in handy someday
Lucy
i watch your show all the time and i think it’s so stupendous that you guys have caught sooo many people from regular people just like us. it’s astounding! i’ll be on your website more and more often so (hopefully) i’ll know a criminal once i see one.(without getting injured) You guys rock!
Karen A Lafee
Yes, thunderstorms can be very dangerous. In my family there have been two people struck by lightening. My dad before his death and my aunt when she was a teenager, they both survived this. my aunt was struck in the knee, I can’t remember where on dad’s body where he was struck.
I watch your show every saturday that I can. I just love your show. Your very right we all can make a big difference these days with a little effort.
cascade
great advise. I learned something new,about lightening bolts stricking that far away from the actual storm. Was a crossing gaurd, A few times I had to be out in the rough stuff. Until the bell rang (kids still had to walk in the storms) I would go up into the field in front of the school, throw my umbrells as far away as possible ,crouch in lowest spot and pray it would pass befor the kids got out of school. Stay away from trees, power lines(a crossing area has major lines with the red light crossing area.) If lightening is about to hit…and the hairs on the back og your neck stand up and you feel electrical nasties. jump, run left or right.. just don’t stay where you are at. the lightning has chosen your spot. This I was taught by an old mentor. This advice has never hurt me any. Has helped twice:)
Please Leave a Comment!