August 18, 2021 By Katie Roundtree

Lightning is one of the leading weather-related causes of death and injury in the United States. Each year, there are about 25 million cloud-to-ground lightning flashes and about 300 people struck by lightning. Florida is known as the lightning capital of the United States, with storms occurring approximately 100 days out of the year.  Although our entire state rates as a high-risk area, the most dangerous areas are in Seminole and Orange counties, in the middle of the state.  Florida ranks number one in the number of deaths due to lightning, 94% of which occur between late May and end of September. On average, lightning kills more people in the U.S. than hurricanes or tornados.

Why Florida? Partially due to its high heat levels, high humidity, and location between the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean: rain clouds plus high heat equals thunderstorms and lightning!

Here are a few myths and facts about lightning:

Myth -Lightning never strikes the same place twice.

Fact – There is no scientific reason why lightning can’t strike the same place twice.  Lightning often strikes the same place repeatedly.  The Empire State Building is hit nearly 100 times a year.

Myth – If it’s not raining or there aren’t clouds overhead, you’re safe from lightning.

Fact- Lightning often strikes more than 3 miles from the center of the thunderstorm, far outside the rainstorm cloud. “Bolts from the blue” can strike 10-15 miles from the thunderstorm.

Myth – Rubber tires on a car protect you from lightning by insulating you from the ground.

Fact – Most cars are safe from lightning; however, it is the metal roof and metal sides that protect you, not the rubber tires.

Myth – A lightning victim is electrified. If you touch them, you will be electrocuted.

Fact – The human body does not store electricity.  It is perfectly safe to touch a lightning victim to give them first aid.

Myth – If outside in a thunderstorm, you should seek shelter under a tree to stay dry.

Fact- Standing underneath a tree is the second leading cause of lightning casualties. Better to get wet than struck by lightning!

Safety Tips and Guidelines:

• There is no safe place outside during a lightning storm. If you are stuck outside during a storm, avoid standing around trees, standing in open areas or laying flat on the ground. Get inside!
• Get inside a fully enclosed building not a gazebo, hut or cabana.
• Remember the 30-30 rule:After you see lightning, start counting to 30. If you hear thunder before you reach 30, go indoors. Suspend activities for at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder.
• Stay away from electronics, windows and plumbing that can conduct electricity. Unplug appliances before the storm. Out of 1,000 incidents, most occurred in (descending order):

1. A) On the telephone
2. B) In the kitchen
3. C) Doing laundry
4. D) Watching television
5. E) At a door or open window

• If there is no building nearby, the next best thing to do is to get inside a car or bus with a                                                                                 solid metal roof.
• If a car or building is not an option, seek lower elevation, get as low to the ground as you can without lying down and stay away from bodies of water.
• Do not raise umbrellas or golf clubs above you.

In Summary “When thunder roars, go indoors”!!!