A Comprehensive Guide to Lightning Safety

Lightning can be described as an atmospheric electrical discharge, which can occur during a dust storm, a volcanic eruption, or most commonly, a thunderstorm. The formation of lightning can be attributed to disturbances in atmospheric pressure, friction, humidity, wind or solar wind impact. The presence of ice in a cloud causes the positive and negative charges to be forcibly separated, which is an important component in the formation of lightning.

During a thunderstorm, the ground below the cloud is induced with an equal, but opposite charge of electricity. From the mixed ice and water region in thundercloud, an initial bipolar discharge forms, and the channels are called “leaders.” Negatively charged, the leaders steps downward, towards the ground, which is positively charged. Without ice in the cloud, there can be no lightning.

“Bolts from the Blue” is a highly hazardous type of cloud-to-ground lightning. Traveling a relatively great distance away from the tail end of the thunderstorm cloud, it goes down in an angle before hitting the ground. Some of these “Bolts from the Blue” have been known to strike at places which are 25 miles away from the source.

On average, 58 people die from lightning strikes every year. While it is certainly not the most common natural threat, it’s always best to be safe than sorry. Here’s a comprehensive guide to lightning safety.

Dangers of Lightning

In 2009, there were 33 deaths due to lightning. This is close to the 2008 number, when there were 28 fatalities caused by lightning in the United States. From 2006 to 2008, a total of 62 people died because they were struck by lightning. Those numbers don’t include deaths from fires caused by lightning strikes.

In comparison, lightning deaths are lower than the number of deaths caused by tornadoes. In a 3-year period from 2006 to 2008, the average number of tornado related deaths was 91 per year. That’s far higher than the number of deaths that came from cold weather, about 18 per year. Winter storms caused about 41 deaths and wind storms caused 47. Heat-related deaths and flood-related deaths are significantly higher.

Lightning shouldn't be taken lightly however. Lightning is dangerous because it doesn’t just strike where a storm is occurring. It can sometimes strike as far as 25 miles away. Many people don’t even realize they are in danger before it hits them. The lightning doesn't even have to strike a person directly. Many people are injured each year when lightning strikes and then travels through the ground.

If a lightning strike isn't fatal, it will often cause serious health problems and can have an effect on every organ system within the body. Lightning strikes can cause changes in the heart rhythm that can lead to death. Often, the respiratory system becomes paralyzed and this paralysis can last long enough for people to die from a loss of oxygen. It also causes vascular instability, bringing about loss of pulse, although this often resolves itself.

Lightning strikes also cause problems in the central nervous system. There is often bleeding or swelling in the brain which may cause transient confusion, amnesia, and paralysis. It can also cause movement disorders, dementia, and paraplegia, if the brain or spine is injured in certain ways. Lightning strikes can also cause anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. About 50% of people also experience some form of eye damage, especially cataracts. First or second degree burns are also common with victims of lightning strikes.

As cardiopulmonary arrest is the main cause of death in lightning strike victims, it’s imperative that cardiopulmonary resuscitation is performed on a victim. CPR should be attempted to restart the heart and get the lungs working again. Someone struck by lightning does not carry a charge and can be touched safety. Victims should also be immobilized in case of spinal injuries.

Lightning Safety

Lightning Safety Week is a special week devoted to raising awareness about lightning safety. Lightning Safety Week takes place in the summer, the time when lightning storms peak. The 2010 lightning safety week will be held from June 21 to June 27. Activities include seminars and passing out fliers that explain just how deadly lightning can be. There are usually demonstrations that teach people not only now to stay safe from lightning when it occurs, but how to treat victims. Teachers around the country use lightning safety week to incorporate activities into their lesson plans.

If you are indoors, you are quite safe, but not completely. As a rule, refrain from taking a shower or washing your hands as plumbing in your home will conduct electricity in the case of a lightning strike. It's also a good rule to avoid using a corded telephone. The telephone lines provide another way for lightning to enter your home. Stay away from all doors and windows as they also provide direct paths for lightning to enter a house. Don’t lie on concrete floors because they are likely to contain metal mesh and concrete walls will often have metal support posts in them. Avoid getting near washers or dryers as both the plumbing and electrical hook ups could conduct electricity. It's also a safe bet to unplug all electronics to protect them from damage. Do this before the storm arrives. Once a storm starts avoid all electrical outlets.

If caught outdoors during a storm, the first step is to find a safe shelter. Look for buildings that will fare well if struck by lightning. Temporary or small structures are not going to provide enough protection to keep you safe in a lightning strike. Many small shelters, like those found on playgrounds or golf courses, are designed to protect from sun and rain, but not lightning. It's best to avoid this kind of structure during a lightning storm, especially those made of wood and metal. Try to find strong, permanent shelters for waiting out the storm. Buildings with lightning rods are especially safe as they allow electricity to be funneled safely into the ground.

For people who are caught in a thunderstorm while they are driving, the best thing to do is to stay in the car. A car may be safer than any available shelter or buildings, but metal inside the car should be avoided. Only hard topped vehicles are considered safe in lightning storms. Pulling off the road during the storm is another wise move. A lightning strike near your car while driving could cause temporary blindness, possibly leading to a worse experience.

It's a smart idea for a rider to carry a portable weather radio to stay on top of potential storms throughout a ride. If caught in a storm while riding a motorcycle stop riding immediately. Motorcycle enthusiasts should be especially mindful of weather conditions before taking a ride and should carry a portable weather radio to stay on top of potential storms throughout a ride. If a storm is approaching a rider should immediately park and get off the motorcycle. The most common place for a motorcycle rider to find shelter is an underpass or bridge. This is safe, but the rider should avoid contact with any metal or concrete pillars. If possible, the rider should climb into a ditch and assume the lightning desperation position:crouched down, feet together, resting on the balls of the feet, arms near the body with hands over ears and elbows resting on your knees. The rider should stay at least 50 feet away from the vehicle until the storm has passed.

Bicyclists should get off their bikes at the first sign of a storm and lay bicycles flat on the ground. Then, look for a dry, safe place. A bridge is ideal, but it’s important to stay away from metal surfaces and water and to avoid metal or concrete posts. If you're a regular bike rider it's also important to carry a weather radio. If caught in the open without any shelter it's smart to assume the lightning desperation position. If with a group of people, spread out. Always try to find the lowest point in the area you occupy.

For campers, it’s best to get into their vehicles or find a permanent shelter on the campgrounds until the thunderstorm is well over. If you're boating during a storm it's imperative that you get ashore and find shelter as quickly as possible. Some boats are protected by lightning protection systems. If you're on a boat that isn't equipped with one of these systems stay in the cabin of the boat. If the boat doesn't have a cabin then the key is to stay low. Keep all extremities in the boat and discontinue all activities.

As for determining when things are safe, use the 30-30 rule. After you see lightning flash, count the number of seconds it takes until you can hear thunder crack. If the time is less than 30 seconds, you are still in danger and should stay in a safe place. Similarly, a person should wait 30 minutes after seeing the last flash of lightning as it may linger after a storm. Nearly half of the deaths caused by lightning strikes occur after a storm has passed.

Additional lightning related links:

• Lightning FAQ: Discusses all about lightning.

• Lightning Safety: A Guide from Oklahoma State University

• Lightning Safety for Kids: Safety tips from a young lightning strike victim.

• 30-30 Rule: Outlines the 30-30 rule for lightning safety.

• Lightning Precautions: Outlines the most important precautions.