Summertime is the peak season for one of nature’s deadliest weather phenomena- lightning. According to the National Weather Service, during the past 30 years, approximately 70 people in the United States are killed by lightning each year, which is more than the average number of people killed annually by tornadoes or hurricanes. Lightning injuries in the nation average about 300 per year. People survive, but unfortunately suffer a variety of long-term, debilitating symptoms which include memory loss, muscle spasms, weakness, sleep disorders and joint stiffness.

Few of us really understand the dangers of lightning. Many do not act promptly to protect themselves because they don’t understand the dangers associated with thunderstorms and lightning. People need to become aware of activities that can put them at risk of being struck. These might include; golfing, boating, gardening, or sitting in the bleachers at your child’s baseball game.

During a thunderstorm, each flash of cloud to ground lightning is a potential killer. Whether a flash could be deadly depends on if a person is in the path of the lightning discharge. In addition to the visible flash that travels across the sky, the electrical current associated with lightning travels along ground.

Lightning can strike as far as 10 miles away from the rain area in a thunderstorm, which is about the distance you can hear thunder. To be safe remember: If you can hear thunder you are within striking distance. Seek shelter immediately! If the sky looks threatening, take shelter before hearing thunder.

Once indoors stay away from windows and doors and avoid contact with anything that conducts electricity. This would include telephones – both corded and cordless. Water is an electrical conductor; avoid contact with plumbing. Do not shower, bathe or wash dishes during thunderstorms!

Protect your pets as well. Outside dogs that are chained to trees or wire runners can easily fall victims to a lightning strike. You may want to consider bringing your pets inside or into a garage during a thunderstorm.

Lighting generates electrical surges that can damage electronic equipment. Typical surge protectors will not protect equipment from a lightning strike. Before a thunderstorm, unplug any unnecessary appliances.

Stay safe and don’t take the risk of lightning for granted.

Submitted By: Craig Allen
Administrator – Grandview Care Center