Lightning 
[ Facts & Myths | Preparation | Warning | What To Do ]
Lightning hits the earth an estimated 100 times per second, or 8.6 million times a day. It is estimated that the U.S. alone receives as many as 20 million cloud-to-ground lightning strikes per year from approximately 100,000 thunderstorms. Lightning kills or injures hundreds of people every year, mainly because the victims are not aware of the danger they face.
35 Years Of Lightning Deaths & Injuries
Fatalities, injuries, and damage were compiled and published by NOAA for the years 1959-1994.
1. Location of Incident:
40% Unreported
27% Open fields & recreation areas (not golf)
14 % Under trees (not golf)
8% Water-related (boating, fishing, swimming...)
5% Golf / golf under trees
3% Heavy equipment and machinery related
2.4% Telephone related
0.7% Radio, transmitter & antenna related2. Gender of victims: 84% male; 16% female
3. Months of most incidents: June (21%), July (30%), Aug (22%)
4. Days of week of most incidents: Sun. / Wed. / Sat.
5. Time of day of most incidents: 2pm to 6pm
6. Number of victims: One (91%), two or more (9%)
7. Deaths by State, Top Five: FL, MI, TX, NY, TN
8. Injuries by State, Top Five: FL, MI, PA, NC, NY
Lightning Myths
Prepare your property
Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that can damage your home in a lightning strike or in the high winds that may accompany a thunderstorm.
Be informed
Check your local TV or radio station before planning any boat trips or water-based events. If you plan to spend the day outdoors, look for a place to take shelter if weather turns bad. Monitor threatening thunderstorms.
Develop a Family Disaster Plan
A Family Disaster Plan Checklist is included on this page.
Learn how your community handles emergencies
Contact your local Emergency Management Agency.
- There are no official lightning watches or warnings.
- In lieu of official lightning watches and warnings, you can keep your own vigilant watch on the sky. Keep alert for thunder and lightning and for signs that can be associated with thunderstorms, such as darkening clouds and sudden wind shifts.
- Many thunderstorms laden with lightning occur without being designated "severe" and without any watches or warnings in effect.
How close is the lightning?
You can do a rough calculation this way: When you see the flash, begin to count the seconds until you hear the thunder. Divide this number by 5. The number you get is your approximate distance from the lightning
For example, if you count nine seconds between the flash and the thunder, the lightning struck just under two miles away.
Indoors
- Unplug appliances, including air conditioner, before the storm hits.
- Listen for storm updates on a battery-powered radio.
- Avoid using the phone. Telephone lines can conduct electricity.
- Stay away from faucets, sinks and bathtubs. Metal pipes conduct electricity.
- Close the blinds and shades of your windows, then keep away from them.
- Keep pets on a leash or in a carrier.
Outdoors
- Avoid water, high ground and open spaces.
- If you are in or near the water, go to land immediately and find shelter.
- If choosing between a building or a vehicle, choose the building.
- If you're in a car, truck or van, keep the windows closed.
- If choosing between a hard-top and a convertible, choose the hard-top.
- Avoid all metal objects including electric wires, fences, machinery, motors, power tools, etc.
- Suspend activities for 30 minutes after the last observed lightning or thunder.
- Watch for local flooding.
If there is no shelter...
- Find a low-lying place that is a safe distance from trees, poles, or metal objects that can conduct electricity.
- Squat low to the ground. Feet together. Place hands over ears to minimize hearing damage from thunder. Try to touch as little of your body to the ground as possible.
- Do Not Lie Flat On The Ground, as your fully-extended body will provide a larger surface to conduct electricity.
If you feel your hair stand on end in a storm, drop into the tuck position described above immediately. This sensation means electric charges are already rushing up your body from the ground toward an electrically charged cloud. Minimize your contact with the ground to minimize your injury.
Family Disaster Preparedness
- Decide where to go if at home, school, work, outdoors, or in a car when a tornado or flood warning is issued.
- Update these plans every school year and as places of employment and residence change.
Family Disaster Communication
- Designate a friend or relative outside your town as your contact in the event you are separated from family members during a tornado or flood.
- Agree upon a place where family members can meet if separated.
Essentials:
- Battery-operated radio
- Flashlight
- Extra batteries
- Water
- High calorie, non-perishable food
- First Aid kit (one for your home and one for each car)
- Prescription and non-prescription drugs
- Tools and supplies (paper cups, utility knife, hammer, matches, etc.)
- Supplies to maintain sanitation (toilet paper, paper towels, household chlorine bleach)
- Clothing and bedding
- Necessities for baby
- Necessities for pet
- Important family documents
- Entertainment (games and books)
Non-perishable contents should be changed or replaced every six months.
Family Pet Care
- Keep in mind that most shelters do not accept pets.
- Contact your local Emergency Management agency for information on how to care for your pet during a weather emergency.
