Some general lightning and safety information

Facts about lightning strikes:

  • 1,800 thunderstorms occur at any given time on a worldwide basis
  • Average of 100 deaths per year and 1,000 injuries per year
  • Average losses of 5 billion dollars each year
  • The Empire State Building in New York City is struck about 100 times annually
  • 30% of all church fires are lightning related
  • Lightning strikes are approximately 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit
  • The average strike could light a 100-watt light bulb for 3 months
  • About 90% of lightning stays within the clouds and 10% is cloud to ground strikes

Here are some general lightning safety tips:

    Inside:
  • If available, seek cover in a lightning protected facility
  • Stay away from doors and windows
  • Stay away from plumbing, electrical equipment and telephones
  • Do not shower or take a bath
  • Do not use a corded telephone during a storm
    Outside:
  • Do not head under a tree for cover
  • Seek shelter in a hard topped car
  • Do not use an umbrella, golf club, bicycle or similar type of objects
  • Avoid metal fences or poles
  • If swimming or boating, seek shelter on land as quickly as possible
  • If caught in an open field, crouch low, keeping legs close together