Thunderstorms are very common ... in fact, at any given moment, nearly 2,000 thunderstorms can be in progress over the face of the earth. Lightning always comes with a thunderstorm since that is what causes the thunder. If you’ve ever heard someone say lightning never strikes the same place twice... WRONG! Lightning often strikes the same place several times during one storm.

In the United States, there are an estimated 25 million lightning flashes each year. During the past 30 years, lightning killed an average of 58 people per year. This is higher than 57 deaths per year caused by tornadoes and average 48 deaths to hurricanes.

Did you know...

...lightning can travel 60 miles (96 km) or more, often extending up to 10 miles away from the cloud that formed it. Generally, however, a bolt travels 10 miles (16 km) or less.

...the temperatures of a bolt may reach 50,000F (27,760 C) ... 5 times hotter than the surface of the sun?!

...it is estimated that there may be as many as 100 lightning strikes around the globe each second creating a continuous power of about 4,000,000,000 kilowatts of energy.

Some tips to prepare your home for lightning include...

Install a Lightning Protection System
A lightning protection system does not prevent lightning from striking but does create a direct path for lightning to follow. Basically, a lightning protection system consists of air terminals (lightning rods) and associated fittings connected by heavy cables to grounding equipment. This provides a path for lightning current to travel safely to the ground.

Install surge protectors on or in home
Surge protection devices (SPDs) can be installed in the electrical panel to protect your entire home from electrical surges. Sometimes it may be necessary to install small individual SPDs in addition to the home unit for computers and television sets due to different ratings and voltage levels. If a home unit is too expensive, consider getting individual SPDs that plug into the wall for the refrigerator, microwave and garage door openers. Appliances that use two services (cable wire and electrical cord) may require combination SPDs for computers, TVs, and VCRs. (Better yet - consider getting an uninterrupted power supply [UPS] with surge protection and battery backup so you can shut down computers safely.)

Some basic lightning safety tips include...

Listen & watch - If you hear thunder, you’re close enough to be struck by lightning - take cover as quickly as possible. Be aware that lightning often strikes miles away from the rainfall or thunderstorm cloud.

Hairy sign - If you feel your hair stand on end and feel tingly (which means lightning is about to strike)... crouch down and bend forward putting hands on your knees (be small), Do NOT lie flat on ground… makes a bigger target!

Unplug it – Before thunderstorms, unplug appliances if possible - even ones on a surge protector and it’s best to move plugs away from outlets.

IF INDOORS - Don’t shower - sounds weird, but wait since lightning travels easily through metal pipes and water can carry an electrical charge. Also avoid corded objects - corded phones, PCs or a mouse conduct electricity (could shock you). Cordless and cell phones or wireless devices are usually safe.

IF OUTDOORS - Try to get to safe shelter quickly.
- Move away from tall things (trees, towers, fences or power lines) and metal things (umbrellas, motorcycles or bicycles, wire fences, etc) since they all attract lightning.
- If surrounded by trees, take shelter under the shorter trees.
- Get to a low lying area but watch out for flash floods.
- Be small - make yourself a small target by crouching down and put your hands on your knees (and don’t lie flat on the ground since that makes you a bigger target!)

IF IN A BOAT - Get to land and to shelter quickly! Water is extremely dangerous when there’s lightning.

IF IN A VEHICLE - Keep windows closed and stay out of a convertible, if possible (mainly since you may the highest target if lightning strikes).

If someone is struck by lightning:
- Victim does not carry electrical charge – they CAN be touched.
- Call 9-1-1 or local EMS (emergency) telephone number.
- Check ABCs ( Airway, Breathing, & Circulation) … if victim is passed out - you may need to do Rescue Breathing or CPR.
- Victim will have 2 wounds - an entrance and an exit burn. DO NOT try to cool the burn with anything. Cover burn with a dry sterile bandage or clean cloth.
- Seek medical attention, if necessary.

Additional resources:

IT’S A DISASTER! …and what are YOU gonna do about it? book or ebook (Proceeds benefit APN and IPN)

NOAA Lightning Facts page

NOAA Lightning safety page

Some cool lightning pics

Above photos from NOAA NWS Lightning page and NOAA Photo Library, NOAA Central Library; OAR/ERL/National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL)