Lightning Awareness Week

Although we are in a stretch where thunderstorms are not likely, there are still some slight chances for pop up storms that could pack a little electricity, and lightning is a definite summertime threat. The National Weather Service is raising awareness for this threat with Lightning Awareness Week – June 23-29.

National Lightning Safety Awareness Week started in 2001 in order to call attention to lightning being an underrated killer. Since then, U.S. lightning fatalities has dropped from about 55 per year to less than 30. This reduction is lightning fatalities is largely due to the greater awareness of lightning danger and people seeking safety when thunderstorms threaten.

There were 14 deaths in the U.S. last year contributed to lighting, one of those in Oklahoma, and the majority of those were from folks engaged in summertime outdoor activities. Fishing, boating and beach going are the top three activities with lightning associated deaths. The Oklahoma fatality was a teen in Mayes County, swimming in a creek. So be aware of the NWS message — ”When the thunder roars, go in doors.”

The best way to minimize your risk of being struck by lighting is to stay informed and plan ahead. When outside, know where your safe place is, so that you can quickly take shelter if a thunderstorm threatens. Too many people wait far too long to get to a safe place when thunderstorms approach. Unfortunately, these delayed actions lead to many of the lightning deaths and injuries in the U.S.

The threat that someone will be struck by lightning depends on their behavior when thunderstorms are in the area. According to the NWS the threat of lightning increases as a thunderstorm approaches, reaches a peak when the storm is overhead, and then gradually diminishes as the storm moves away.

At the same time, it’s people’s behavior that determines the risk of a fatal lightning strike. While some people move inside at the first signs of a thunderstorm, many people wait far too long to get to a safe place. Some wait until the thunderstorm is overhead and it starts to rain. Others, due to poor planning, are caught outside and can’t get to a safe place.

Although most people get inside, some put themselves at risk by touching items that could become electrified by a nearby lightning strike. Finally, many people go outside too soon after the storm has seemingly passed, often only waiting for the rain to become lighter or end. It is all of these unsafe behaviors that put people at risk when thunderstorm are in the area.

While lightning can put on quite a show during a thunderstorm, it is incredible to think that a bolt can reach temperatures of 50,000 degrees. That is hotter than the sun, literally!

So remember these tips to help make your outdoor activities safer from lighting.

· Avoid open areas. Don’t be the tallest object in the area.

· Stay away from isolated tall trees, towers or utility poles. Lightning tends to strike the taller objects in

· an area.

· Stay away from metal conductors such as wires or fences. Metal does not attract lightning, but lightning can travel long distances through it.

· If you are with a group of people, spread out.

· While this actually increases the chance that someone might get struck, it tends to prevent multiple casualties, and increases the chances that someone could help if a person is struck.

Cardiac arrest is the immediate cause of death for those who die. Lightning victims do not carry an electrical charge and may need first aid immediately. Call for help. Call 9-1-1 and give first aid. Begin CPR if you are trained. Use an Automatic External Defibrillator if one is available. These units are lifesavers! And they are very easy to use, with most giving audible directions for the user. And lastly, don’t be a victim as well. If possible, move the victim to a safer place. Contrary to the popular belief — Lightning CAN strike twice in the same place.