Know what to do when lightning strikes close to home

  • Published
  • By John Powers
  • 325th Civi Engineer Squadron
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Do you know what weather phenomenon kills more Americans than floods, hurricanes and tornadoes combined? 

It's lightning. Lightning kills nearly 100 people every year and injures another 300, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. According to the Insurance Information Institute, it also causes more than $1 billion in insurance industry losses from residential claims each year. 

Packing 100 million volts of electricity - a force similar to a small nuclear reactor - lightning is just too risky for you to ignore. Most lightning deaths and injuries occur when people are caught outdoors during storms in the summer months, mostly in the afternoon and early evening. 

Lightning seeks the path of least resistance. If you are taller than your surroundings or are standing next to a tall object, such as a tree, you can become a prime target.
Fortunately, following basic safety guidelines can greatly reduce your chances of injury or death from lightning. One of the best personal safety guidelines, according to the Insurance Information Institute, is called the "30/30 Rule." If it takes less than 30 seconds after you see lightning to hear thunder, you should get indoors and stay inside for 30 minutes. 

When lightning is in close proximity and you are taking shelter indoors, remember to stand clear from windows, doors and electrical appliances. Don't attempt to unplug televisions, stereos or computers during the storm. Avoid contact with metal piping, including sinks, baths and faucets. Also avoid using the telephone, except for emergencies. 

Never use a tree for shelter when you are outdoors and unable to find safe cover. Avoid areas that are higher than the surrounding landscape, and keep away from metal objects, including bikes, golf carts, fencing and machinery. 

When outdoors during a thunderstorm, immediately get away from pools, lakes and other bodies of water. Look for the nearest shelter with a lightning protection system, like those found at golf courses, public parks and swimming pools. A car with the windows rolled up makes an excellent shelter from lightening. 

If you feel a tingling sensation, your hair stands on end or you smell sulfur, lightning may be about to strike. Immediately crouch down and cover your ears. Don't lie down or place your hands on the ground because a lightning strike may momentarily electrify the ground beneath you. 

Bottom line ... lightning will kill you if given the chance. Don't become a statistic. Following these simple guidelines, paying attention to your surroundings and taking heed of nature's warnings will definitely increase your odds of surviving the storm.
Please direct any questions to the 325th Civil Engineer Squadron's fire and emergency services at 283-2909 or the readiness office at 283-2010.