Our love of outdoor activities in Florida and the frequency of thunderstorms make summer the most likely time to be injured or killed by lightning, according to statistics compiled by NOAA’S National Weather Service.
More than 70 percent of lightning fatalities occur between June and August, according to John Jensenius, the National Weather Service lightning expert who tracks and evaluates lightning deaths for the agency.
“At the start of summer when people are getting ready to enjoy outdoor activities, we want to remind them that lightning is very dangerous,” says Jensenius. “Lightning can kill – so remember – when thunder roars, go indoors.”
Annually lightning strikes more than 400 people in the United States. About 60 of those die, and many more are left with devastating and permanent disabilities. The National Weather Service studies lightning fatalities in order to know where to best target its lightning education efforts. For example, men are struck far more often than women, sustaining about 85 percent of lightning deaths. And men under 40 account for 60 percent of all lightning fatalities.
If thunder can be heard, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning, and you should take shelter immediately. To avoid being struck by lightning, follow these recommendations:
•    Get into a fully enclosed building or hardtop vehicle (avoid convertibles) at the first rumble of thunder;
•    Stay indoors for 30 minutes after the LAST thunder clap;
•    Monitor the weather forecast when you’re planning to be outdoors;
•    Have a plan for getting to safety in case a thunderstorm moves in;
•    DO NOT use a corded phone during a thunderstorm unless it’s an emergency; cell phones are safe to use;
•    Keep away from plumbing, electrical equipment and wiring during a thunderstorm. Do not take baths or showers during storms, as water is an excellent conductor of electricity. Use as little water as possible during storms.
•    Draw blinds and shades over windows as a precaution to prevent windows shattering into your home, should they be broken by blowing debris.
•    If you feel your hair stand on end, which indicates that lightning is about to strike, drop your knees and bend forward, putting your hands on your knees. Do not lie flat on the ground.
If Someone is Struck by Lightning:
•    People who have been struck by lightning can be cared for safely, and do not carry any type of electrical charge.
Call for help. Get someone to dial 9-1-1 or your local Emergency Medical Services number.
•    Look for burn marks on the victim’s body where the charge both entered and exited. Lightning strikes can also cause neurological damage, broken bones, and loss of sight or hearing.
•    Give first aid. If breathing has stopped, begin rescue breathing. If the heart has stopped beating, a trained person should give CPR. If the person has a pulse and is breathing, look for and care for other possible injuries.
Remember…Be Safe. Be Smart. Storm Smart.

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