Dumb Ways to Die: Lightning Strike
Surviving Catastrophic Weather Events Series
Very few Americans die from lightning strikes these days. On average, only about 30 Americans die annually after being hit — a third of them during July with the 4th of July being one of the deadliest days. Believe it or not, most people actually survive a strike; the mortality rate is only about 10%…although for about 70% of those struck there are long-term lingering medical issues. Even though the numbers are low, these deaths and injuries are preventable. So, if you’re caught in a lightning storm, here are a few tips to help you survive one of the most senseless ways of dying.
The Old 30–30 Rule
The 30–30 rule has been debunked. The old rule of thumb was that once you saw the flash, begin counting. If it took less than 30 seconds to hear thunder, you were within 6 miles of the storm and needed to seek shelter immediately. After 30 minutes, you could resume your outdoor activities.
The New and Improved Rule: Seek Shelter ASAP
People and animals have been struck by storms as far as ten miles away. If you can hear thunder, you are within 10 miles of a storm and need to get to safety immediately, preferably indoors. So no need to count anymore; instead run like hell.
Don’t get caught outside in a lightning storm
Get inside ASAP. Every year in America, 99% of the people struck by lightning were hit while outdoors and 62% were struck while participating in leisure activities — with fishing being more common than camping. Golfing follows at a distant third.
Avoid large bodies of water. This seems like a no-brainer, but this is precisely where most of the lightning related injuries and deaths historically occur. Lack of situational awareness is often to blame. What can start off as a sunny morning, can turn into a stormy afternoon. Boat engines can stall and you may be the only object sticking out of the water. And, be sure you are wearing your life vest. Victims can be knocked several feet away so, there is a good chance you’ll wind up unconscious and in the water.
If you do get caught outdoors, avoid tall, isolated objects like trees, light poles, or flag poles. If you’re caught while hiking, seek low bushes instead and hope for the best. Also, sheds and small structures offer zero protection if they are not plumbed/grounded. When caught out in open land and you can’t find shelter, seek low areas like ditches.
If your hair starts to stand on end or your body suddenly gets tingly, a nearby strike is imminent. The old recommendation that you get into a crouching position and balance on the balls of your feet is useless.
Making yourself into a tiny little ball does not make you a smaller target nor help the lightning pass through your body. But whatever you do, don’t lie down on the ground and don’t crawl into a tent. Lightning can hit a tree and transfer current along the ground where you are crouched. If there is someone else with you, spread out so you’re not all bunched together. This increases the chances that one of you will not get hit and can assist the other one.
Rubber Sole Shoes
Shoes offer absolutely no protection during a lightning storms, neither do tractors even though they have massive rubber tires. You’re best bet is to run like hell and get to shelter immediately.
What are the odds of getting struck?
As rare as it is to get hit by lightning, Americans are far more likely to get struck than of winning the lottery. The odds of getting struck by lightning during your lifetime: 1 in 700,000. The odds of hitting the Mega Million Powerball, about 1 in 76 million. But then there was the Canadian guy who beat all the odds (1 in 2.6 trillion) last year when he was struck by lightning, survived, and years later, won the lottery. So I guess, ya never know.
