Tips On How To Survive A Lightning Strike

Experts said that lightning is one of the most underrated weather hazards. They said that this makes every single thunderstorm a potential killer, whether the storm produces one single bolt or one thousand bolts.

How Dangerous are Lightning Strikes?

Based on previous studies, lightning kills 20 to 30 people on average and injures more than a hundred each year in the United States. Tornadoes, hail, and wind gusts get the most attention, but only lightning can strike outside the storm itself.

Studies have shown that most people struck by lightning are struck not at the height of a thunderstorm but before and after the storm has peaked.

Usually, most people are unaware of how far lightning can strike. Experts said that it "can strike more than 10 miles away from the location of rainfall. "

Scientists said that it is the first thunderstorm hazard to arrive and the last to leave. As lightning is considered to be one of the most capricious and unpredictable characteristics of a thunderstorm, no one can guarantee an individual or group absolute protection from it.

Safety Tips a Lightning Strike

However, knowing and following proven lightning safety guidelines can greatly reduce the risk of injury or death. Here are the safety tips one can do whenever lightning strikes:

1. The safest location during a thunderstorm is inside a large enclosed structure with plumbing and electrical wiring, which include shopping centers, schools, office buildings, and private residences.

Experts noted that when lightning strikes the building, the plumbing and wiring will conduct the electricity more efficiently than a human body.

If no building is available, then an enclosed metal vehicle such as an automobile, van, or school bus could actually be a decent alternative.

2. Studies have shown that not all types of buildings or vehicles are safe during thunderstorms. Buildings which are unsafe have exposed openings and these include beach shacks, metal sheds, picnic shelters/pavilions, carports, and baseball dugouts.

Meanwhile, convertible vehicles offer no safety from lightning, even if the top is "up.'' Other vehicles that are also not safe during lightning storms are those which have open cabs, such as golf carts, tractors, and construction equipment.

3. One is also advised to stay away from electrical appliances and plumbing fixtures whenever a lightning strikes. As an added safety measure, stay in an interior room.

When one is inside a vehicle, roll the windows up and avoid contact with any conducting paths leading to the outside of the vehicle.

4. Lightning can also travel great distances through power lines, especially in rural areas. It is advised to not use electrical appliances, especially corded telephones.

5. Make sure to get the latest weather forecast before going out to avoid the risk of lightning and always know where safe shelter is whenever thunderstorms threaten public safety.

6. Some may also think that water will attract lightning but that is not factual. However, water is an excellent conductor of electricity, meaning that it can travel far.

If one is out at the beach, pool or lake, and he/she hears that thunder begin to roll in, he/she should seek shelter immediately. Experts said that being outside, especially near water, is not a good option during this period.