Deaths by lightning number about 200 to 300 in the US every year, on average. It also results in over three times as many injuries annually. Deaths from lightning strikes kill more of us every year than any other natural disaster, including floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, and avalanches.

Facts About Lightning Strikes

• July is the peak month for lightning.
• Sunday has 24% more lightning-related deaths, followed by Wednesday.
• Florida has twice as many casualties from lightning as any other state.
• Lightning can strike the same place repeatedly, such as metal objects like poles and tall buildings.
• The sound of thunder after a lightning flash travels at about 5 seconds a mile. So if you hear thunder 5 seconds after a flash, that means it occurred 1, not 5 miles away.
• Many lightning victims are struck while walking in an open field or swimming in the afternoon, usually between noon and 4pm.
• There are only a few specialists in keraunopathy, or the pathology of lightning.
• A lightning strike delivers about 300 kilovolts within just a few milliseconds. Usually the head and shoulders are struck.
• A typical industrial electric shock is 20 to 63 kilovolts, but lasts longer, usually not more than half a second. Usually the hands, feet, or upper arms are the points of contact.

The majority of people stuck by lightning do not die. They may lose consciousness, stop breathing, and their hearts may stop beating temporarily. CPR should be started immediately. However, there may be long term damage to nerves, resulting in numbness and weakness. There may also be damage to various areas in the brain, affecting thought processes, personality, and behavior.

During a Lightning Storm

If you are outdoors during a lightning storm, you should seek shelter in:

• A large building
• Cars with solid roofs. Close the windows.
• Caves and ditches without water
• Low lying areas

Where you should NOT seek shelter:

• Small, exposed buildings
• Tents
• On or near water
• Near or under tall trees, especially those in exposed areas
• Higher terrain
• Near exposed metal objects like bicycles and golf clubs