Safety Tips: Lightning

Florida is known as the "Lightning Capital" of the United States, leading the nation in lightning-related deaths and injuries. Each year, over 20 people die and 500 more are injured by lightning in the U.S. While lightning can strike at any time of year, the peak season is summer, particularly in July.

Lightning is incredibly powerful:

• A single bolt can stretch over five miles in length
• It can reach temperatures of 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit—hotter than the surface of the sun
• It carries a staggering 100 million volts of electricity

With this kind of force, lightning can kill instantly or cause life-threatening complications over time. But the good news is you can reduce your risk by following simple safety precautions.

The National Lightning Safety Institute emphasizes one simple rule: "Anticipate a high-risk situation and move to a low-risk location."

The Safest Places to Be:

SAFE: Inside a fully enclosed building (one with a roof, walls and a floor).
NOT SAFE: Picnic shelters, covered patios, tents, or other partially enclosed structures.

Why? Enclosed buildings have wiring and plumbing that channels lightning safely into the ground.

SAFE: Inside a fully enclosed vehicle (such as a car, truck, van or bus).
NOT SAFE: Convertibles or soft-top vehicles.

The 30/30 Rule: When to Seek Shelter

If you can see lightning or hear thunder, you are already in danger.

• Count the seconds between the flash of lightning and the sound of thunder
• If it's less than 30 seconds, take cover immediately
• Stay in your safe location for at least 30 minutes after the last rumble of thunder