Lightning Facts

There are an estimated 25 million cloud-to-ground lightning flashes each year in the United States, nearly 650,000 of which occur in Illinois alone. Lightning can be fascinating to watch, but it is also extremely dangerous – it is the underrated killer. Few people really understand the dangers of lightning. Many people don’t act promptly to protect their lives, property, and the lives of others. The first step in solving this potentially life-threatening problem is through education.

– Outdoors –

• WATCH THE SKY Make sure you, or someone in a group of people, monitor the weather conditions. This is especially important if you need time to get to a safe place. The static on an AM radio frequency can also alert you to approaching thunderstorms.


• COACHES & OFFICIALS NEED A SAFETY PLAN Outdoor sporting events are very susceptible to lightning strikes because the games are played in open areas. If you, or your children, are involved in outdoor recreational activities, verify that coaches, umpires, referees, and camp counselors have guidelines for postponing games BEFORE thunderstorms approach. The safety of the participants and the spectators must be the number one priority!


• USE THE 30 / 30 RULE When you see lightning – start counting. If you cannot count to 30 before you hear the thunder, then get indoors immediately! Once indoors, stay there for 30 minutes after hearing the last rumble of thunder before resuming outdoor activities.


• GET AWAY FROM WATER Stop activities in or near water, such as swimming, boating, fishing, and camping and seek a substantial shelter.


• LIGHTNING SAFETY TIPS – OUTDOORS:
• The best shelter from lightning is a substantial building, indoors.
• Avoid carports, porches, garages, sheds, tents, baseball dugouts, or under bleachers.
• If no substantial shelter is available, then seek refuge in a hard topped vehicle, with the windows up.
• Stay away from trees, electrical poles, or other tall objects.
• If your hair stands on end, or you experience a tingling sensation – lightning may strike soon! DO NOT LIE FLAT ON THE GROUND! Crouch down on the balls of your feet to create the lowest profile.

– Indoors –

• Houses or other substantial buildings offer the best protection from lightning. Open shelters, carports, garages, and sheds are designed to protect people and property from rain and sun – NOT lightning.

There are three main ways lightning enters a building:

1. A direct strike
2. Through wires or pipes that extend outside the building
3. Through the ground

Once in a structure, the current from a lightning strike can travel through electrical lines, plumbing, phone lines, and radio or TV reception systems. Lightning can also travel through any metal wiring or bars in concrete walls flooring.

• AVOID CONTACT WITH CORDED PHONES Phone use is the leading cause of indoor lightning injuries in the United States. Cordless phones are safe, as long as lightning does not strike while you are removing the phone from the charging cradle. Cell phones are the safest method of communication.


• STAY AWAY FROM WINDOWS AND EXTERIOR DOORS Windows and doors can provide a path for a direct strike to enter a home.


• STAY OFF OF PORCHES AND DECKS Even if a porch or deck is covered, it does not offer any protection from lightning strikes.


• AVOID CONTACT WITH ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT OR CORDS Direct strikes and power surges due to lightning cause significant damage to personal property each year. If you plan to unplug any electronic equipment, do so well before the storm arrives. Do not forget to disconnect televisions and radios from outdoor antennas.


• STAY AWAY FROM PLUMBING AND PLUMBING APPLIANCES Avoid contact with pipes during a thunderstorm. Do not take a shower or bath. Avoid appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines, and electric hot water heaters, since they utilize both water and electricity.


• BE ALERT FOR DIRECT LIGHTNING STRIKES If your home or a neighbor’s home is directly struck by lightning, call the fire department immediately!