Lightning safety shouldn't be taken lightly Published July 24, 2008 By Capt. Joseph Coslett 1st SOW Public Affairs HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- An Airman from the 1st Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron was struck by lightning at Pensacola Beach, Fla., July 13. He was struck while attempting to get out of a thunderstorm's path and into safety. The Airman was transported to the hospital and died from his wounds one week later. Lightning is the second leading cause of weather-related deaths in the United States. It kills more than hurricanes and tornadoes combined. On average, approximately 100 people die per year as the result of lightning strikes. In Florida, that number is much higher. Often referred to as the "lightning capital" of the country, the state averages 39 deaths per year. The next closest state is Colorado with 11. Lightning strike survivors can suffer even greater tragedy. According to the National Lightning Safety Institute, lightning causes more than 750 injuries per year; 70 percent experience long-term issues, while the other 30 percent suffer debilitating problems. However, all of these facts can be skewed because lightning-strike incidents are 40 to 70 percent under reported. Lightning facts - A lightning bolt is concentrated energy typically no larger than a human finger, but can be more than five miles long with temperatures of up to 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit, containing 100 million volts of electricity and between 10,000 and 200,000 amps - The odds of being hit by lightning is one in 600,000, except in Florida , and especially in the Panhandle, where the odds are even higher - 98 percent of lightning deaths in 2007 occurred outdoors. Structures like sheds, gazebos and open picnic shelters are not safe The following is a breakdown of lightning casualties and percentage of strikes: - Radio and radio equipment, 1.2 percent - Farm and heavy equipment, 5 percent - Telephones, 4 percent - Golf, 6.5 percent - Open fields, 45 percent - Under trees, 23 percent - Water, 13.6 percent - Golf and trees, 1.7 percent Myth vs. fact Myth: "Lightning never strikes the same place twice" Fact: Lightning often strikes the same place repeatedly, especially if it's a tall, pointy and isolated object Myth: "If it isn't raining or clouds aren't overhead, there is no danger" Fact: Lightning often strikes more than three miles from the thunderstorm, far away the rain or even thunderstorm cloud Staying safe Just as with any other natural disaster or phenomenon, there are steps people can take to protect themselves from lightning. First, the safest place to be in a thunderstorm is in an enclosed building with plumbing, because if lightning strikes it, the electricity will be diverted through metal pipes. Second, lightning usually hits the tallest thing around, so do not stand under an isolated tree, flag pole or other tall object. About 25 percent of the people who were killed by lightning in 2007 were standing under a tree. Third, do not ride a bicycle or motorcycle in the rain. Pull over and wait under an overpass if possible. Motorcyclists should move at least 50 feet away from their bikes. Finally, do not talk on a corded phone during a thunderstorm, as the electricity can travel through the line. Cordless phones and cell phones are safer. A good rule to use when deciding whether to seek cover is the "30/30 rule." If 30 seconds or less pass between the lighting flash and the thunder, seek shelter. Wait 30 minutes after the last observed lightning strike before leaving the shelter. With the unpredictable weather in Florida, there's not always time to get inside. When that happens, there are precautions that can be taken at any location. If caught in a vehicle during a storm, those inside should close the windows and keep their hands on their lap. Contrary to popular belief, it is not the rubber tires that make a vehicle safe, it is the metal enclosure, so canvas roofs do not offer much protection. If outdoors during a storm, stay away from rivers, lakes and other bodies of water. Also stay away from natural lightning rods and tall structures such as towers, tall trees, telephone poles/lines and tents with metal supports. Take shelter under a small tree among several large ones if possible, but stay at least six feet away from the tree trunk to minimize the risk of a side strike. Never stand under an isolated tree. Finally, stay low in a ditch, a depression, a low area, ravine, or at the foot of a hill. Do not lie flat on the ground. Have a plan Having a plan in place can help ensure safety. The following steps are recommended for any plan: - Designate an individual to monitor the weather and initiate the necessary precautions - Develop procedures to notify all personnel of the appropriate actions when there is a threat or risk of lightning - Pre-identify safer locations as well as a way to route personnel to those locations - Establish an all-clear signal that is different from the warning signal - Periodically review, train and drill the safety plan Lightning will always be present in Florida, but there are ways to stay safe. If lightning is seen or thunder is heard, activate the safety plan, and resume activities only when lightning and thunder have not been observed for 30 minutes. For more information, visit http://www.lightningsafety.com/.