Summer Thunderstorms Bring Risk of Lightning Strike Injuries

Tth summer set to officially begin next week, seasonal pop-up storms are likely to be on the increase. Weather predictions for Fathers Day already have the possibility of outdoor activities being interrupted by an isolated thundershower.

According to the National Weather Service, lightning is a major cause of storm related deaths in the U.S. In the 30-year period 1980-2009, the U.S. averaged 55 reported lightning fatalities a year, but officials believe those figures are under reported and it is closer to 70 deaths a year. With only about 10 percent of people struck by lightning dying, 90 percent of those struck are left with various degrees of disability.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, many of the people killed or injured by lightning were struck while engaging in outdoor recreational activities such as mountain hiking, climbing, camping, fishing, boating or golfing. There are, however, ways to lower the risk of being struck by lightning and the USDA gives the following tips.

To Avoid Being Struck

• Stay near safe shelter and try to avoid high terrain, golf courses, and bodies of water during high lightning activity (late morning to evening).
• If you are caught above the tree line when a storm approaches, descend quickly. Avoid isolated trees. It is better to run into a forest.
• Electric storms can also develop in the middle of the night. To lower your odds, don't pitch your tent near the tallest trees in the vicinity.
• Hikers, golfers, and others should run into a forest if a shelter or car is not nearby.
• Drop metal objects like golf clubs, tennis rackets, umbrellas, and packs with internal or external metal frames.
• Get off bicycles, motorcycles, horses, and golf carts. Metal bleachers at sports events, metal fences and utility poles are also to be avoided.
• If you are caught in an open field, seek a low spot. Crouch with your feet together and head low.

If Someone Is Struck:

• People who have been hit by lightning carry no electric charge and can be safely tended to. Also, victims who appear dead can often be revived.
• If the person is not breathing, begin mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. But if a pulse is absent as well and you know cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), begin CPR. Stay with the victim until help arrives.
• Don't sit or lie down, because these positions provide much more contact with the ground, providing a wider path for lightning to follow. If you are with a group and the threat of lightning is high, spread out at least 15 feet apart to minimize the chance of everybody getting hit.
• Don't return to an open area too soon. People have been struck by lightning near the end of a storm, which is still a dangerous time.
• Swimmers, anglers and boaters should get off lakes or rivers and seek shelter when storms approach. Drop any fishing rods. Boaters who cannot get off the water before the storm hits should crouch low. Once on land, get at least 100 yards away from shore. 

The USDA cautions this information is not intended as a substitute for medical treatment. Anyone with a health-related concern is advised to call a physician. While these tips may lower injury risk, the unpredictability of lightning affords no guarantees.