When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!
Lightning Safety Week:
June 21-27, 2009
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Check this site for handouts,
indoor safety and outdoor
risk reduction tips, medical facts, history,
survivor stories, photos,
teacher tools, kids page and more.
Check out our new brochure: Lightning Safety for You and Your Family
Test Your Lightning Safety IQ with Leon the Lightning Lion
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Summer
is the peak season for one of the nation's deadliest weather
phenomena— lightning. But don't be fooled, lightning strikes
yearround. The goal of this Website is to safeguard U.S.
residents from lightning.
In the United States, an average of 62 people are killed each
year by lightning. In 2008,
27 people died due to lightning strikes. In
2007, 45 people were struck and killed by lightning in the U.S.;
hundreds of others were injured. Of
the victims who were killed by lightning in 2007:
- 98% were outside
- 89% were male
- 30% were males between the ages of 20-25
- 25% were standing under a tree
- 25% occurred on or near the water
The reported number of injuries is likely far lower than the
actual total number because many people do not seek help or doctors
do not record it as a lightning injury. People struck by
lightning suffer from a variety of long-term, debilitating symptoms,
including memory loss, attention deficits, sleep disorders, numbness,
dizziness, stiffness in joints, irritability, fatigue, weakness,
muscle spasms, depression, and an inability to sit for long.
Lightning is a serious danger. Through this site we hope
you'll learn more about lightning risks and how to protect
yourself, your loved ones and your belongings. As a start,
get an overview of Lightning Safety
or stop by our comprehensive page of handouts,
brochures, links and more. |
Overview, Science,
Outdoors, Indoors,
Medical, Teachers, Survivor Stories,
Success Stories, Photos,
Lightning Awareness Week, More Info
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