Lightning News

Florida is marking this week, Jan 30 – Feb 2, 2012 their Severe Weather Awareness Week. Lightning awareness was Monday’s focus as Florida is the State that experiences the most lightning as compared to other states, coining the term “Lightning Capital of the US”. According to the State of Florida, they average around 14.1 cloud-to-ground lightning strikes per year, which calculates to about 27000 lightning strikes per week! Wow!

The reason why Florida is pertinent to lightning strikes can be attributed to its geography. Thunderstorms are the most prevalent in the summer time, coincidentally fatalities due to lightning are also highest during this time, as most people are out enjoying the warm weather. In Florida, the fatality caused by lightning on average is seven per year.

In light of this awareness week in Florida, we wanted to share some tips on how you can protect yourself from being struck by lightning:

• Be observant. Darkened clouds high in the ground are generally a good indicator that lightning could occur.

• Do not stand under trees, or other tall structures…they have a higher likelihood of being struck by lightning!

• GET INSIDE! Being outside during a thunderstorm is not safe. Outdoor activities should be avoided until the storm passes.

• While inside, stay away from corded electrical devices, windows, and running water. Lightning easily travels through electrical devices and plumbing and can still electrocute you!

• If you cannot be inside, your best bet is to be in a car with a hard-topped roof.

• Remember the 30/30 rule. Go inside if you hear thunder within 30 seconds of lightning, and wait until 30 minutes after the storm clears to go outside.

We must all work together to reduce the risks of injury from lightning. If you would like more information on how to better protect yourself, please contact us.