When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors
By: Stephanie | August 05, 2008 | Category: Health
Lightning has been called the most underrated weather hazard, killing an average of 62 people and injuring at least 300 people in the United States each year. Did you know that if you can hear thunder, you are within striking distance of lightning?
The National Weather Service says that most lightning victims are not struck at the height of a thunderstorm, but before and after the storm has peaked. So seek shelter if you can count 30 seconds or less between a lightning flash and its thunder, and stay in the shelter until 30 minutes after the final clap of thunder.
A large, enclosed building is the best shelter. While you're inside, don't use computers, corded phones, and other electrical equipment (but cell phones and cordless phones—away from their bases—are ok). Also stay away from tubs, sinks, and other plumbing, and metal objects such as refrigerators. (If you are caught in your car, don't touch metal.)
If you're caught outside, try to get to a low place such as a ravine under a thick growth of small trees. Don't stand under a tall, isolated tree or in an open area, and don't lie flat on the ground. Also, don't touch anything metal, including bicycles or golf carts. For boating lightning safety, see the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's information.
If you feel your hair stand on end, this means that lightning is about to strike. Get into the "Lightning Crouch": drop to your knees, roll forward onto the balls of your feet, place your hands on your knees, and tuck your head down. (Rubber-soled shoes don't protect against lightning.)
If a person is struck by lightning, it is not dangerous to touch him or her. With immediate medical help, including CPR if necessary, most victims survive a lightning strike.
For more information on lightning safety, visit USA.gov's FAQ and the Online School for Weather. Or read lightning survivor stories, see dramatic photos of lightning, or learn more about the science behind lightning.
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Comment Permalinkis this still true? thanks..............dg
Comment PermalinkSo glad you asked about whether a car is the best place to seek shelter from lightning. The National Weather Service says that a fully enclosed building, including a house, is the best protection from lightning, while a car is second best
(http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/facts.htm).
Regarding what to do if you're caught in a car during lightning, I link to a FEMA site above (http://www.fema.gov/kids/thfac.htm) that says the steel frame of a hard-topped vehicle (not the rubber tires!) can protect you. "Although you may be injured if lightning strikes your car," it says, "you are much safer inside a vehicle than outside." Just be sure not to touch any metal in the car.
Comment Permalinkhttp://www.redcross.org/services/prepare/0,1082,0_247_,00.html
The most important thing we have found when assisting with those struck by lighting is to remember that people struck by lightning carry no electrical charge and can be handled safely. Also, we advise our callers to follow the following directions closely:
1. Call for help. Get someone to dial 9-1-1 or your local Emergency Medical Services (EMS) number.
2. The injured person has received an electrical shock and may be burned, both where they were struck and where the electricity left their body.
3. Check for burns in both places.
4. Being struck by lightning can also cause nervous system damage, broken bones, and loss of hearing or eyesight.
5. Give first aid.
6. If breathing has stopped, begin rescue breathing.
7. If the heart has stopped beating, a trained person should give CPR.
8. If the person has a pulse and is breathing, look and care for other possible injuries.
With all of these deaths each year, this is why it is so important to learn first aid and CPR by taking a Red Cross first aid and CPR course. Again, refer to the Red Cross website as listed above. Our service techs are often in the field working during major storms and acts of God in order to repair electrical lines and install and power up alternative power plants and emergency power systems. You can read about some of the do's and don'ts of emergency response technicians at http://www.uspowerco.com
Comment PermalinkJust one question, do you have any data when you said :
"most victims survive a lightning strike"
For me, i thinked it's impossible. Do you have some exemple ?
Regards
Chris
Comment PermalinkIt does seem amazing, doesn't it, that most people survive a lightning strike! But the National Weather Service (NWS) says that "ninety percent of lightning victims survive, especially with timely medical treatment" (cited at http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/pdfs/Mark_trail.pdf; also see http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/medical.htm).
Unfortunately, the survivors have "various degrees of disability" from the strike, however. NWS mentions a support organization for survivors, families, physicians and other professionals at http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/medical.htm.
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