The Dangers of Lightning Strikes During Thunderstorms
Introduction
The trees begin to sway, the sky darkens, and suddenly you hear it: the distant sound of thunder. That’s your sign that a potential danger is on the way. In fact, it is probably within 10 miles of you, according to the National Weather Service. Thunderstorms can bring with them the deadly force of lightning, which can kill or cause serious harm in unexpected ways. Understanding the risks and taking precautions is crucial to your safety and the safety of those around you.
Lightning and Water
One common misconception is that being indoors and using water during a thunderstorm is safe. However, lightning can travel through pipes, and it’s best to avoid all water-related activities during a thunderstorm. This includes showering, bathing, washing dishes, and even washing your hands. The risk of lightning traveling through plastic pipes is lower than with metal pipes, but it is still best to avoid any contact with plumbing and running water. By doing so, you can reduce the risk of being struck by lightning.
Staying Safe Indoors
When you’re inside during a thunderstorm, there are several precautions you should take to minimize the risk of lightning-related injuries. Avoid porches, balconies, windows, and doors, as these areas can attract lightning strikes. Additionally, it’s important not to lie on concrete floors or lean against concrete walls, as they can conduct electricity. Furthermore, refrain from using any electronic equipment plugged into an electrical outlet, such as computers. However, cell phones and cordless phones are generally safe to use as long as they are not connected to a charger.
The Science Behind Thunder
Have you ever wondered how thunder is created? Well, here’s a fascinating explanation from the National Weather Service. Thunder occurs when lightning strikes, heating the air around the bolt up to an incredible 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit – that’s five times hotter than the surface of the sun! Immediately after the flash, the air cools and contracts rapidly, creating a sound wave that we hear as thunder.
Varying Dangers of Lightning Strikes
Lightning can cause death or harm in numerous ways. A direct hit from lightning is usually fatal. However, even if you are not directly struck, you can still sustain injuries from touching a car or metal object that has been struck by lightning. These injuries can range from blunt trauma, skin injuries, burns, to brain, muscle, and eye injuries. It’s important to remember that lightning can also travel through the ground and bounce off a person or object, or even flow upward from objects close to the ground. Being aware of these dangers can help you make informed decisions and take appropriate precautions.
Estimating Lightning Distance
It’s possible to estimate the distance between you and a lightning strike by using a simple method recommended by the National Weather Service. Count the number of seconds between the lightning flash and the sound of thunder, and then divide it by 5. Each second represents a distance of approximately 1/5th of a mile. For example, if you count 15 seconds between the flash and the sound, the lightning strike is approximately 3 miles away. This information can help you gauge the proximity of the storm and make decisions accordingly, all while ensuring your safety.
Lightning Risks and Statistics
The majority of lightning-related deaths and injuries occur when people are outside, especially during the summer months in the evenings and at night. According to the CDC, approximately 180 people are injured by lightning each year, with 10% of those struck resulting in death. Individuals who work outdoors, particularly in the southeast region of the United States, face a higher risk. In fact, Florida and Texas have the highest number of lightning-related deaths. These statistics emphasize the importance of being vigilant and taking precautions to mitigate risks during thunderstorms.
Staying Safe Outdoors
If you find yourself caught outside during a thunderstorm, it’s crucial to avoid exposing yourself to unnecessary risks. Lying on the ground is unsafe, as lightning strikes can cause electrical currents to travel along the top of the ground for more than 100 feet. Seek a safe place immediately, as there is no location outdoors that can guarantee complete safety in a thunderstorm. Avoid tall trees and anything that increases the risk of being struck by lightning. If you cannot find a safe haven, crouch into a ball-like position with your feet together, squat down, tuck your head in, and cover your ears. However, remember that this should be a last resort, and finding a safe place indoors should be the priority.
Conclusion
Being informed about the dangers of lightning strikes during thunderstorms is crucial for your safety and the safety of those around you. Remember to avoid water-related activities indoors, stay away from porches and windows when indoors, and refrain from using electronic equipment plugged into electrical outlets. Understanding the risks associated with lightning strikes can help you make informed decisions and take appropriate precautions, reducing the likelihood of injury or death. Stay safe during thunderstorms and prioritize your well-being by following these guidelines.
Summary
Thunderstorms bring with them the potential danger of lightning strikes, which can cause severe injuries or even death. Staying safe during thunderstorms requires being aware of the risks and taking appropriate precautions. Avoid water-related activities during a thunderstorm, such as showering or washing dishes, as lightning can travel through pipes. When indoors, stay away from porches, windows, and electronic equipment plugged into electrical outlets. Understand the science behind thunder and how lightning can cause harm in various ways. Estimate the distance between you and lightning strikes to gauge the proximity of the storm. Statistics show that most lightning-related injuries and deaths occur when people are outside, with Florida and Texas having the highest number of lightning-related deaths. If caught outdoors during a thunderstorm, seek a safe place immediately and avoid tall trees or anything that increases the risk of being struck by lightning. By staying informed and following safety guidelines, you can significantly reduce the risks associated with lightning strikes during thunderstorms.
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The trees begin to sway, the sky darkens, and suddenly you hear it: the distant sound of thunder. That’s your sign that a potential danger is on the way. In fact, it is probably within 10 miles of you, according to the National Weather Service.
Don’t ignore that sound, because where there is thunder there is lightningand lightning can kill or maim in ways you less expect it. That includes when you shower, wash in the tub, or even do the dishes.
Since lightning can travel through pipes, “it’s best to avoid all water during a thunderstorm. Do not shower, bathe, wash dishes or wash your hands,” he said. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention noted.
“The risk of lightning traveling through pipes may be less with plastic pipes than with metal pipes,” the CDC added. “However, it is best to avoid any contact with plumbing and running water during a thunderstorm to reduce the risk of being struck.”
That’s not the only danger when you’re inside. Stay off porches and balconies, stay away from windows and doors, and “DO NOT lie on concrete floors or lean against concrete walls,” the agency said.
Also, “DO NOT use anything plugged into an electrical outlet, such as computers or other electronic equipment,” the CDC said. “Stay away from corded phones. Cell phones and cordless phones are safe…if they are not connected to an electrical outlet via a charger.”
Thunder occurs when lightning strike, heating the air around the bolt up to “50,000 degrees Fahrenheit, 5 times hotter than the surface of the sun,” the National Weather Service said. “Immediately after the flash, the air cools and contracts rapidly. This rapid expansion and contraction (create) the sound wave that we hear as thunder.”
Lightning can kill in many ways. A direct hit is usually fatal, according to the CDC he said, but injuries such as blunt trauma, skin injuries, and burns, as well as brain, muscle, and eye injuries can occur from touching a car or metal object struck by lightning. Current can also travel through the ground, bounce off a person or object, or even flow upward from objects close to the ground.
You can estimate the distance between you and the lightning, but do it from a safe place so you don’t get hit, the The weather service is recommended.
“Count the number of seconds between the lightning flash and the sound of thunder, and then divide by 5,” with five seconds equaling 1 mile, 15 seconds equaling 3 miles, and zero seconds very close, the service said.
Most deaths and injuries occur when people are outside, especially during the summer months in the evenings and at night, according to the CDC. About 180 people per year are injured by lightning, and 10% of people struck by lightning die each year. Those who work abroad, especially in the southeast, are in higher risk. Florida and Texas have the most lightning-related deaths, the CDC added.
If you are caught outside, “DO NOT lie on the ground. Lightning strikes cause electrical currents along the top of the ground that can be deadly from more than 100 feet away. Enter a safe place; nowhere outside is safe,” the CDC said.
“Avoid anything that increases your risk of being struck by lightning, such as being near or under tall trees. If there are no safe havens in sight, crouch into a ball-like position: put your feet together, squat down, tuck your head in, and cover your ears. But remember, this is the last resort. Find a safe haven first.”
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