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Update: U.S. lightning deaths rise to 10 in 9 states
The National Weather Service has designated this week as Lightning Safety Awareness Week (June 20-26) across the country.
This is the 10th annual anniversary of this campaign, which has helped reduce annual lightning deaths from about 72 down to 58 on average per year since its launch in 2000.
This week is meant to educate people on the dangers that lightning poses as we move into what has historically been the deadliest month in July for lightning across the United States.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), lightning strikes more than 400 people in the United States each year, causing devastating and permanent disabilities for those who survive with most of those injuries and deaths coming during the summer months of June, July and August.
So far this year, 8 people have been killed by lightning, 6 of which have been killed since Memorial Day Weekend. Three people died within a 24 hour period from injuries suffered during lightning strikes just this past week. The lightning deaths have occurred in 7 states including Missouri, Colorado, Indiana, Louisiana, Ohio, North Carolina and Connecticut. North Carolina has been the deadliest state so far with 2 lightning deaths, just this month.
Thunderstorms during the summer months are typically random in nature and can pop-up with little notice. This combined with the fact that more people spend time outdoors (sporting events, swimming, mowing grass, etc), contributes to the relatively high lightning death toll and related injuries during the summer.
According to John Jensenius, a lightning expert with the National Weather Service, there is one common mistake made when sudden thunderstorms develop while people are outdoors.
One of the most common mistakes people make during thunderstorms is huddling under a tree or other structure to stay dry. This can be a deadly mistake.
3 out of the 8 lightning deaths this year occurred from people standing under trees.
To avoid being struck by lightning, NOAA’s National Weather Service recommends that you:
- Get into a fully enclosed building or hardtop vehicle 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.
You must remember, if you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning!!
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