Lightning is the underrated Killer
NOTICE: This article was revised, the updated version is here.
By SUZETTE PORTER
| Article published on Wednesday, July 25, 2007 |
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| Numerous lightning flashes brighten the night sky over the Belleair Country Club. |
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PINELLAS COUNTY - An estimated 25 million lightning flashes occur in the United States each year, and Florida ranks No. 1 in the number of cloud-to-ground flashes.
July and August are the deadliest months for lightning strikes in the Sunshine State, according to the Florida Division of Emergency Management. Recent headlines are proof of that fact.
Three people struck by lightning in Tampa Bay made the news last week. Two people were hospitalized on July 20 after being struck by lightning on Treasure Island beach. On July 22, the Associated Press reported that a diver died near Deerfield Beach after lightning struck his air tank as he surfaced off the Atlantic coast.
According to statistics from the National Weather Service, during the past 30 years, lightning killed an average of 66 people a year in the United States - more than the average number killed by tornadoes over the same time period. Lightning deaths in the state of Florida from 1997 to 2006 totaled 71, a first place ranking.
In 2006, 20 people died from lightning strikes in Florida and 92 injuries were reported. Damage costs around the state totaled $82.5 million.
Officials are concerned that people underrate the risk from lightning due to the fact that it does not cause mass destruction as does a hurricane or tornado.
State officials want people to understand lightning’s deadly nature and are campaigning with the message "when lightning roars, go indoors" and "when thunder roars, go indoors."
"Lightning can strike as far as 10 miles from an area where it is raining. That's about the distance you can hear thunder," state emergency officials said. "If you can hear thunder, you are within striking distance. Seek safe shelter immediately."
Emergency experts also preach the 30-30 rule, which can be used when visibility is good. Basically the rule says, "When you see lightning, count the seconds until you hear thunder. If that time is 30 seconds or less, the thunderstorm is within 6 miles and is dangerous. Seek shelter immediately."
The number 30 also is good to keep in mind when deciding how long to wait after the sound of thunder goes away. The official recommendation is to wait at least 30 minutes.
Since most lightning deaths and injuries happen in the summer, officials recommend that people be extra careful during outdoors activities.
"Where organized outdoor sports activities take place, coaches, camp counselors and other adults must stop activities at the first roar of thunder to ensure everyone has time to get to a large building or enclosed vehicles," said state emergency management officials "Leaders of outdoors events should have a written plan that all staff are aware of and enforce."
Many people falsely perceive that once indoors they are safe from lightning dangers. Officials want people to know that lightning can strike even when indoors. People should stay off corded phones, computers and other electrical equipment that put them in direct contact with electricity. People also should avoid using the sink, toilet, tub, shower or anything else that connects to the plumbing system.
When indoors, follow the 30-30 rule and stop activities at the first clap thunder and wait 30 minutes until after the last thunder strike," officials recommend.
People, especially those who live in a state ranked No. 1 for the average number of lightning strikes and the average number of deaths, should know the basics of what to do if someone is struck by lightning. First, call 911. Victims of a lightning strike can suffer cardiac arrest and irregularities, burns and nerve damage. Immediate medical assistance is crucial
Most victims, who receive proper treatment, including CPR if necessary, can survive a lightning strike. Caregivers cannot be hurt by the victim or their electrical charge, emergency officials said.
Officials want people to understand that lightning is dangerous and should not be underrated. They also want people to know that with just a few precautions, they can avoid becoming a statistic.
NOTICE: This article was revised, the updated version is here.
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Article published on Wednesday, July 25, 2007
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