Staying Safe When There's Lightning Around
Lightning is great to watch, and makes a superb subject for
videos or photographs - from a distance. But it's pretty scary
when it strikes nearby, and every year there are news reports of
lightning fatalities.
So what are your chances of being struck by lightning?
Fortunately they are pretty slim. But that's probably what the
hundred or so people killed by lightning in an average year
probably thought.
So while you or I are most unlikely to be struck, the
consequences are so severe that it's worthwhile taking every
precaution to make sure that we don't end up a lightning
statistic.
A Few Lightning Facts
- Although lightning is known from volcanic eruptions and
in smoke from very large fires, it is always present in
thunderstorms, and thunderstorms can occur anywhere and at any
time of year. In the US they are most common in Florida and
nearby states, and overall are most frequent from April to July.
Lightning fatalities are most common in July, probably because
more people are out of doors at that time of year.
- Lightning is a very high voltage electrical discharge, with
its source in a thunder cloud. Most lightning moves between
clouds, or from cloud to air. The cloud to ground strikes are
rarer, but are the ones to worry about.
- Apart from floods, lightning causes more deaths than any
other severe weather event, including tornadoes and hurricanes.
Figures are not precise, but around 100 deaths occur in an
average year, while injuries are at least ten times that number.
- Lightning injuries are most common before and after the
storm has passed over - before and after the rain, winds and
hail have caused people to take shelter. Another reason is that
lightning bolts can travel distances of over 10 miles (16km)
from the cloud before hitting the ground.These "bolts from the
blue" may arrive before any thunder from the storm can be heard,
and even before the storm clouds have been noticed.
- Deaths and injuries occur most commonly to outdoor workers,
hikers, campers, and people involved in outdoor sport or
picnics, including sporting teams. Quite often, the victims have
delayed finding shelter until the last minute.
More information on lightning can be found at my website,
http://www.home-weather-stations-guide.com/lightning.html
Deaths and Injuries
A lightning strike is a very short lived, high voltage
electrical current, but has different effects to a home or
industrial electric shock. Most lightning fatalities are
instantaneous through failure of the heart or breathing, or
severe nervous damage.
Lightning deaths and injuries can occur in two ways - by a
direct strike, or indirectly from being within about 50 yards of
the strike. A short-lived electric current can travel through
damp soil, wet grass, water, and along fence wires, plumbing or
underground cables. This explains deaths or injuries to people
who are indoors but in contact with telephones, electrical
appliances or plumbing fixtures.
Unfortunately the effects of a non fatal lightning injury are
often severe and long lasting - often life changing. They can
include impaired mental ability and chronic pain.
But survival is better than the alternative, and immediate first
aid after a lightning strike is critical.
The first thing to remember is that the injured person is not
"live" - you won't get a shock when you touch them.
Secondly, CPR - cardio pulmonary resuscitation - should always
be attempted if the victim has no pulse or is not breathing. A
lightning strike can stop either or both of the heart or
breathing.
Thirdly, medical attention is necessary, even if the person
seems to have recovered.
Reducing The Risk of a Lightning Strike
Many, if not most, lightning casualties are avoidable. The small
but real risks can be minimised by making a few small sacrifices
to your present enjoyment. The peace of mind you gain will make
it worthwhile.
Firstly, move to the safest possible shelter as soon as you are
aware of an approaching storm. Careful observation of the
weather is a good guide, and lightning detectors are definitely
worth considering, particularly if you are responsible for
others such as a children's sports team or an outdoor work crew.
In most cases, once you can hear thunder you are within the
danger zone, and it's time to move quickly.
Now I know that almost every time an early move to shelter will
turn out to be unnecessary, and you may not always get a warm
reception for your course of action. But imagine the alternative
if half a dozen kids are injured or worse after a lightning
strike during a soccer or baseball game.
The best shelter is a fully enclosed building, bearing in mind
the easily avoidable risks associated with telephones, electric
appliances and plumbing.
Next best is an all metal car with the windows closed -
preferably not parked at the top of a hill or under a tall tree.
Probably the third choice would be in a group of small trees -
assuming there are taller ones around. Tall trees are high risk,
as are isolated structures such as water tanks. Partly open
sheds are of dubious value and offer their occupants little
protection if struck.
Open spaces are dangerous places to be, and you should have
plenty of time to move elsewhere. Being the highest point in a
large area is not a good survival strategy.
If however you have no alternative, look for a lower area that
is not water logged, squat down on the balls of your feet, with
your head down. Don't lie on the ground, and stay away from wire
fences.
And once you are safe, just sit back and enjoy the show.