06/01/11
Lightning Safety Awareness

Did you know that more than 400 people are struck by lightning each year in the United States? Between 55 and 60 people are killed, while hundreds of others suffer neurological disabilities. Fortunately, most of these tragedies can be avoided. If thunderstorms threaten, people need to seek refuge in a safe place.

According to the National Lightning Safety Institute, there are an estimated 25 million cloud-to-ground lightning flashes and more than 26,000 fires annually causing an estimated $5-6 million in property damage.

Lightning is a visible discharge of electricity, when part of the atmosphere acquires enough electrical charge to overcome the resistance of the air. Thunder is caused by the rapid heating of air along the length of the lightning channel and temperatures in the lightning channel can reach 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

Personal Safety Tips
Lightning in open fields kills more people than any other place. Outdoor sports activities on large open fields like soccer, golf, baseball, and softball usually take place during the thunderstorm season. Players, coaches, and staff often push their luck when thunderstorms threaten their safety. The consequences can be deadly.

To determine if a storm maybe approaching:

• Listen to weather reports on the radio.
• Watch current weather forecast on TV.
• Read current weather information on the Internet.
• Scan the skies overhead.
• Designate someone from your group to be the storm watcher.

If a storm is approaching:

• Find shelter in a building or car.
• Unplug appliances and avoid their use.
• Avoid taking a bath or shower, or running water for any other purposes.
• Turn off the air conditioner. Power surges from lightning can overload the compressor, resulting in a costly repair job.
• Know the lightning safety warning program at your outdoor sports facility.
• Use the 30/30 Rule – When you see lightning, count the seconds until you hear thunder. If this time is 30 seconds or less, go inside a building. Wait 30 minutes after seeing the last lightning or the last thunder before going back outside.
• Stay off the telephone, including cell phones.

If you are caught outside:

• Try to reach a safe building.
• Avoid high ground; water, tall isolated trees, and metal objects such as fences or bleachers.
• If swimming or boating, get to land and find shelter immediately.

If someone is struck by lightning:

• Call 911 or Emergency Medical Services for help.
• People who have been struck by lightning do not have an electrical charge and can be handled safely. They may be burned and have other injuries.
• First aid should be given. If breathing has stopped, rescue breathing should be started.
• If the heart has stopped, a trained person should give cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Lightning Prevention Preparedness

Before a lightning storm:

• Start an Emergency Preparedness Plan (EPP) that takes prevention, emergency response, and disaster recovery into consideration.
• Have an Emergency Coordinator and an EPP team. Assign people with responsibility to initiate the plan.
• Think about installing a lightning protection system, lightning arrestor on incoming telephone and power lines, and surge protectors to protect electronic equipment from electrical surges generated by lightning.

During a lightning storm:

• Seek shelter in a substantial building and avoid metal-roofed buildings.
• Avoid high areas. Do not stand near open water, metal fences, wires, trees, poles, flagpoles or other conductors. Do not carry golf clubs, metal tools or poles.
• If your hair stands on end, crouch with feet together, bow your head and place your hands on your ears to reduce acoustic shock. Do not lie flat on the ground.

After a lightning storm:

• Be sure to search the area for any electrical damage such as fires.
• Inspect the lightning arrest system for any damage that may have occurred from a direct hit. Repair any damage.
• If a direct lightning hit is suspected, check all main electrical equipment and circuits.

Some lightning myths:

• Lightning always hits the highest object – False
• Lightning never strikes the same place twice – False
• One is safe from lightning injury if inside a building or lean-to – False
• There is only lightning when it is raining – False