Less than a one in a million chance

The “chances” of being struck by lightning are less than one in a million, according to the Center for Disease, Control and Prevention (CDC).

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14 Americans killed by lightning this year

However, 14 people died from lightning in the United States in 2022, according to the National Weather Service. In France, the statistics are equivalent: between 8 and 15 people die every year affected by lightning, while there are approximately 20,000 animals struck by lightning.

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90% of lightning victims survive

Considering the population of the United States (over 300 million), 14 people is a small number. It is also important to note that there are approximately 25 million lightning strikes in the United States per year and 90% of people who are struck by lightning survive.

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The effects of a lightning strike

Nevertheless, the effects of a lightning strike on humans can be severe and long-lasting. Survivors suffered significant injuries, burns, and sometimes continued disability, sometimes showing symptoms such as seizures and memory loss.

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Lightning Safety Education

But there are ways to avoid being struck by lightning. This is why lightning safety education is important. Here are some steps you can take to reduce your risk of being struck by lightning.

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“When the thunder rolls, come inside”

The US National Weather Service has a simple but effective slogan: “When thunder rolls, come inside”. As soon as you hear thunder, see lightning, or the sky looks threatening, you need to get inside as quickly as possible.

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Enter a building or a car

“The most important thing is that you are safe inside a large building or fully enclosed vehicle with a metal roof,” Ron Holle, meteorologist and lightning safety specialist at National Lightning, told CNN. Safety Council.

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If you are camping, take shelter in your car

Tents or sheds are not safe shelters once morest lightning. If you’re camping or at the beach, with no access to a building when you hear thunder, you need to get to your car.

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Wait 30 minutes from the last time you hear thunder

If you are sheltering in your car, you must wait 30 minutes from the last clap of thunder to leave the vehicle, according to the weather service.

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Avoid lightning indoors

If you manage to get inside a building, the next step to be safe is to close the windows and avoid using corded electrical appliances, according to the National Weather Service. You should also stay away from balconies, porches, garages and doors to the outside.

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No wires, plumbing or running water

“Under no circumstances should you have your hands on a cable or anything plumbing-related, such as holding a corded phone or holding an appliance when lightning strikes the house,” Holle explained. “Having your hands under running water in the sink or bathtub also presents a risk“did he declare.

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The exterior isn’t safe for animals either

And the outdoors is not safe for humans during a storm, nor is it safe for pets. Bring your pets indoors as soon as possible when you hear thunder. Doghouses do not provide lightning protection and dogs tied to trees are particularly at risk.

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If you are on a boat

Most large boats with cabins are fairly safe during a thunderstorm, according to the Weather Service. However, small boats without a cabin provide no protection. The majority of injuries and fatalities caused by lightning on boats occur on this type of boat.

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If you hear thunder, head back to shore

Security services advise people not to go boating when thunderstorms are forecast. If you hear thunder while on the water, you should return to shore as quickly as possible and ideally move at least 100 meters from shore.

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If you can’t get back to earth

If you cannot make it to shore, you must drop anchor, descend as low as possible in the boat and stay inside the cabinholding you at theaway from any metal surface.

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If your boat does not have a cabin

If you are swimming in the sea and your boat does not have a cabin, it’s better to stay in deep water during the storm than to get back on board, according to the weather agency.

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Stay safe outdoors

If he sheltering indoors is not possible, there are still a few things that can slightly reduce your risk. In a thunderstorm, avoid fields, hilltops or ridgetops, the weather service says.

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Stay away from trees and bodies of water

Likewise, you should stay away from tall, isolated objects like trees and leave any body of water immediately. Of course, you will also need to avoid any wet or metallic objects that might conduct electricity.

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Low areas are a safer bet

Low areas like valleys and ravines are a safer bet. If you’re in a group, spread out to prevent any current from flowing between people, the weather service says. And don’t lie flat on the floor.

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The best way to stay safe is prevention

The key from Lightning avoidance strategy is awareness and planning. Read the weather forecast and know if thunderstorms are expected in the places you are going to go.

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What to do if someone you’re with is struck by lightning

If someone around you is struck by lightning, immediately call 112 or 18 in France. People who have been struck by lightning do not carry an electrical charge, you can so touch and move them safely. Put them indoors if possible. The victim’s heart or breathing may have stopped and they may need resuscitation.

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Organizations for Lightning Survivors

There are also organizations providing aid to survivors, such as Lightning Strike et Electric Shock Survivors International, that encourage medical research and continued support for survivors of lightning and electrical injury.

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