Safe Electricity offers tips when lightning/thunder storms arise

(June 2010) – Summer is often a peak season for one of the nation’s deadliest weather phenomena—lightning. Lightning strikes year round and is statistically more fatal than tornadoes or hurricanes. According to the National Weather Service, an average 58 people are killed each year and another 300 injured by lightning in the United States. In 2008, there were 329 people struck in the USA, with 302 injured and 27 killed. Given these statistics, it’s extremely important to take lightning seriously and to stay educated on lightning safety.

As part of its “Teach Learn Care” TLC campaign, Safe Electricity urges parents and other caregivers to make sure children also understand the importance of lightning awareness and how to stay safe. Don’t be fooled by blue skies. If you hear thunder, lightning is close enough to pose an immediate threat. That is why the National Weather Service has adopted the saying: When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors! Lightning can strike up to ten miles from the area in which it is raining, even if you don’t see clouds. This means that if you can hear thunder, you’re within striking distance. When the storm is over, wait thirty minutes after the last lightning strike you see before going back outside.

If caught outdoors during a thunderstorm and unable to take shelter in a building, take the following precautions:

• Try to take shelter in a vehicle with a solid metal roof. Close the windows and avoid contact with electrical conducting paths, such as the steering wheel, ignition, gear shifter, or radio.


• Avoid water, high ground, or open spaces.


• Do not seek shelter under tall, solitary trees; canopies; small picnic or rain shelters; or in any open-frame vehicles such as jeeps, convertibles, golf carts, tractors or mowers.


• Do not stand near power, light or flag poles, machinery, fences, gates, metal bleachers, or even other people. If you are in a group, spread out so that you are at least twenty feet apart.


• If your skin tingles or your hair stands on end, lightning may be about to strike. Squat down low to the ground with your head between your knees making yourself the smallest target possible.

“Plan outdoor activities around the weather and be prepared to seek shelter if the weather turns threatening.” said Molly Hall, Safe Electricity Executive Director. “If thunderstorms and lightning are approaching, the safest location is indoors away from doors and windows with the shades drawn. Avoid water, electric appliances and other objects that could conduct electricity, and use only cordless or cell phones to make emergency calls.”

Phone use is the leading cause of indoor lightning injuries in the United States. Direct strike is not necessary for lightning voltage to enter your home through phone lines, electrical wires, cables and plumbing. Other recommendations to avoid lightning shock and damage include:

• Turn off and unplug appliances well before a storm nears – never during. Don’t expect a surge protector to save appliances from a lightning strike, unplug it as well.


• Stay away from electrical outlets, appliances, computers, power tools, and TV sets. Take off headsets and stop playing video games.


• Turn off your air conditioner to protect the compressor from a power surge and avoid a costly repair job.


• Avoid water and contact with piping, including sinks, baths and faucets. Don’t wash dishes, shower or bathe during a thunderstorm. Also avoid washers and dryers since they not only connect with the plumbing and electrical systems, but also contain an electrical path from the outside through the dryer vent.


• Do not lie on the concrete floor of a garage as it likely contains a wire mesh.


• Basements typically are a safe place to go during thunderstorms, but avoid concrete walls that may contain metal rebar.


• Don’t forget your pets. Dog houses are not lightning-safe and dogs chained to trees can easily fall victim to a strike.

If a person is struck by lightning, call 911 and care for the victim immediately. You are not in danger of being electrocuted by the victim. More information on lightning safety can be found at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Web site at www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov.

For more information, visit: www.SafeElectricity.org .

Safe Electricity is a public awareness program of the Energy Education Council, a non-profit organization allied with University of Illinois Extension and dedicated to electrical safety and energy efficiency education. Safe Electricity is supported by a coalition of hundreds of organizations, including electric utilities and other entities committed to promoting safe use of electricity. To learn more about the Council and its programs visit: www.EnergyEdCouncil.org .

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