Lightning safety urged during the month of July

        July is the peak month for lightning deaths

 Mississippi is one of many states around the country that normally experience peak thunderstorm activity during the month of July.

And with increased thunderstorms around, lightning becomes more of a threat.

Thunderstorms this time of year in Mississippi and most areas across the South are more random in nature, and occur mainly during the afternoon and evening hours, during prime daytime heating.

It is during these times,  when more people are outdoors.  (swimming, golfing, playing tennis, picnics, beach, boating, etc.)

Because more thunderstorms are around during this month, combined with the random nature of the storms, and increased outdoor activities, has contributed to the relatively high number of lightning deaths annually, during the month of July.

 In a matter of fact,  40 people have been killed over the last 3 years, around the country during the month of July. (28 total deaths in 2008--14 or half of those deaths occurred in July)

A total of 20 people have been killed, with 121 injured this year, with 16 of those deaths since June 1st. 

Specifically, Mississippi records one lightning death each year.

Just one year ago, a 38 year man was struck and killed by lightning in Centreville, while he was standing under a tree on the 13th of July, 2008. (2 others were injured)

 Unfortunately, Mississippi along with 15 other states have recorded at least one lightning death this year, with Florida leading the nation with 3 deaths and 45 injured, due to lightning. 

On Saturday, May 16, 2009, a teenage male (16 years old) was struck and killed in a corn field in Yazoo County (3 others were injured)

On a population adjusted basis, the state of Mississippi ranked 8th in the nation, in the number of lightning fatalities over the last 10 years. 

The state has recorded 10 deaths, since 1999.

The highest number of deaths in a year over the last 10 years occurred in 2002, 2005, and 2006, with 2 deaths each year.

 Mississippi Lightning Safety Tips

• Look for a large, enclosed building when a thunder or lightning storm threatens. That's the best choice.
• If you are in a car and it has a hard top, stay inside and keep the windows rolled up.
• Avoid small sheds and lean-tos or partial shelters, like pavilions.
• Stay at least a few feet away from open windows, sinks, toilets, tubs, showers, electric boxes and outlets, and appliances. Lightning can flow through these symptoms and "jump" to a person.
• Do not shower or take a bath during a thunder or lightning stormAvoid using regular telephones, except in an emergency. If lightning hits the telephone lines, it could flow to the phone. Cell or cordless phones, not connected to the building's wiring, are safe to use.

If you are caught outside: (If you are unable to reach a safe building or car, knowing what to do can save your life.)

• If your skin tingles or your hair stands on the end, a lightning strike may be about to happen. Crouch down on the balls of your feet with your feet close together. Keep your hands on your knees and lower your head. Get as low as possible without touching your hands or knees to the ground. DO NOT LIE DOWN!
• If you are swimming, fishing or boating and there are clouds, dark skies and distant rumbles of thunder or flashes of lightning, get to land immediately and seek shelter.
• If you are in a boat and cannot get to shore, crouch down in the middle of the boat. Go below if possible.
• If you are on land, find a low spot away from trees, metal fences, pipes, tall or long objects.
• If you are in the woods, look for an area of shorter trees. Crouch down away from tree trunks.

If Someone Is Struck By Lightning

• First, call for help. Call 9-1-1 or your local ambulance service. Get medical attention as quickly as possible.
• Give first aid. If the victim has stopped breathing, begin rescue breathing. If the heart has stopped beating, a trained person should give CPR. If the person has a pulse and is breathing, address any other injuries.
• Check for burns. The injured person has received an electric shock and may be burned. Being struck by lightning can also cause nervous system damage, broken bones, and loss of hearing or eyesight. People struck by lightning carry no electrical charge that can shock other people.  You can examine them without risk.