Lightning is a leading cause of weather related death. Prevent lightning death and injury, as well as providing rapid treatment by dispelling these myths about lightning.
Myth 1: No rain, no lightning.
Fact: Lightning can strike 10-15 miles ahead or behind the storm. Lightning can occur with clear blue sky overhead.
Myth 2: Metal attracts lightning.
Fact: Lightning is unpredictable and generally strikes the nearest tall object.
Read three more myths.
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Myth 3: Strike victims are electrified.
Fact: Victims do not carry a charge and are safe to touch immediately. Do NOT delay treatment.
Myth 4: It is safe to stand in the apparatus bay with the door open.
Fact: You are risk of a direct strike, splash over, or ground current in this position.
Myth 5: As long as I am not the tallest object I am safe outdoors.
Fact: There is no safe place outdoors. If you hear thunder or see lightning move inside a structure – a building with closed doors and windows.
This map shows lightning caused fatalities from 2003 to 2005 in the United States.
