Lightning Dangers: Separating Fact from Fiction

Lightning Dangers:  Separating Fact from Fiction

Lightning Protection Institute

Lightning is inherently-dangerous, and most of us know this.  However, there is also a lot of misinformation out there regarding how to stay safe during an electrical storm, and far too many people are injured or killed by lightning strikes each year.  Let’s look at some common myths vs facts about lightning so you can reduce the chances of finding yourself in harms way.

Crouching or Laying Down

Many people have been told to crouch down as low to the ground as possible if caught outdoors during a thunderstorm.  The reality is that standing or crouching makes us just as vulnerable, and the only way to truly avoid being hit is to seek shelter.  Another myth is that laying flat on the ground can provide additional protection.  However, once lightning strikes nearby, the electrical current spreading through the ground can be strong enough to cause serious or even fatal injuries. 

No Rain Nearby

Lightning can strike at any time, whether the storm is producing rain or not.  In fact, a lot of forest fires are sparked by lightning from “dry storms” that don’t produce any rainfall at all.  Additionally, lightning can extend for miles around a storm cell.  This means that someone who is standing in clear skies near a storm can be just as vulnerable to being struck as someone situated directly beneath the clouds.   

Victims are Electrified

Lightning+Man

People do not store electricity from lightning in their bodies.  The current leaves the body after it passes through, and this means that it is perfectly-safe to touch the victim or render first aid.  However, it’s important to remember that you can also get hit by lightning if you expose yourself to the same conditions.  Try to minimize the time you are exposed to the storm by fetching the victim and bringing them to a sheltered area where they can be assessed and treated.

Lightning Never Strikes Twice

Lightning strikes can happen at the same spot unlimited times.  Just look at how many strikes lightning rods attract during storm after storm.  Just because lightning struck a tree that you’re hiding beneath doesn’t mean that it won’t strike again.

You’re Safe in Your Home

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While it is true that homes and structures provide substantial protection during lightning storms, currents can travel through wires, phone lines and power cords.  The greatest danger is when we are touching connected devices or appliances when the current passes through.  This is why the safest option is to avoid touching anything that is conductive to electricity until the storm has passed, even if you are indoors.

Lightning is only Attracted to Metal and Trees

Another common misconception is that lightning only strikes metallic or tall wooden objects.  Lightning can strike anything at any time.  In fact, many lightning strikes hit bare ground or rocks. 

In most cases, the best place to be when lightning strikes will always be indoors or inside a vehicle.  It’s also a good idea to get to shelter as soon as you start hearing thunder or seeing flashes of lightning.  Waiting until the last moment can limit your options for escape and increase the chances of getting struck. 

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