Lightning Facts
• There is no safe place in a thunderstorm.
• Lightning causes an average of between 55 and 60 fatalities each year.
• The energy from one lightning flash could light a 100-watt light bulb for more than 3 months.
• Lightning fatalities are most common during the summer and during the afternoon and evening
• Many fires in the western United States and Alaska are started by lightning.
• The channel air through which lightning passes can be heated to 50,000°F- hotter than the surface of the sun! The rapid heating and cooling of the air near the lightning channel causes a shock wave that results in thunder.
How far away is the Lightning?
• Count the number of seconds between a flash of lightning and the resulting thunder.
• Divide this number by 5 to get an estimate of the distance to the lightning (in miles) to the lightning strike.
Lightning Myths and Truths
MYTH: If it is not raining, then there is no danger from lightning.
TRUTH: Lightning often strikes outside of heavy rain and may occur as far as 10 miles away from any rainfall. This is especially true in the western United States where thunderstorms sometimes produce very little rain.
MYTH: The rubber soles of shoes or rubber tires on a car will protect you from being struck by lightning.
TRUTH: Rubber-soled shoes and rubber tires provide NO protection from lightning. The steel frame of a hard-topped vehicle provides increased protection if you are not touching metal. Although you may be injured if lightning strikes your car, you are much safer inside a vehicle than outside.
MYTH: People struck by lightning should not be touched because they carry an electrical charge
TRUTH: Lightning-strike victims carry no electrical charge and should be attended to immediately. Call for help and begin CPR immediately if the person is unresponsive and nor breathing. Contact your local American Red Cross chapter for information on CPR and first aid classes.
MYTH: “Heat lightning” occurs after very hot summer days and poses no threat.
TRUTH: “Heat lightning” is a term used to describe lightning from a thunderstorm too far away for the thunder to be heard.
Lightning Safety Tips
*Lightning can be deadly! Remember all lightning safety rules!
*Stay indoors and don't venture out unless absolutely necessary
*Don't use the telephone!
*Unplug your television from the cable outlet or conventional antenna
*If there is a power failure, turn off all electrical appliances and switches before the power comes back on. This may avoid damage if there is a power surge
*Increase your awareness and be on the watch for high winds, hail and possible tornadoes. Monitor your portable radio, including NOAA Weather Radio.
*Golfers should take heed: leave the golf course and seek shelter.
*Take necessary precautions for possible flooding.
*Don't take a shower or a bath. Water and copper tubing are excellent conductors of electricity.
*Get out of the water and get off of the beaches.
*Stay in your car if you are traveling. Automobiles offer excellent protection because the metal bodies conduct electricity away from the occupants.
*If you are driving use extreme caution. Visibility may be impaired by downpours. Inspect and replace your wiper blades regularly.
*Automobile braking may be reduced by water on the road.
Occasionally test your brakes by pumping them.
*When shelter is not available, as when caught in an open field, present a low profile by crouching or laying down
*Never stand near or under a tree. A lightning strike can turn the bark into shrapnel.
*Never touch downed power lines. Dial 911 or the local power company immediately to ensure that the line is turned off so repairs can be made.