Deadliest Bolt

January 3, 2011 | Weather

Lightning strikes has claimed 47 lives and left 246 injured during the summer of 2006 as reported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Dr. Mary Ann Cooper began his research in lightning injury at the University of Illinois, Chicago. Certain periods of the year pose a lightning hazard outdoors, particularly the Fourth of July. Victims of lightning strikes often underestimate the risk of being struck during the season, and are often unaware of the safety measures such as taking shelter from lightning-safe areas.
The first step to lightning safety, according to Cooper, is to educate people about the danger signs, the risks of being struck outdoors, and its fatal effects to the body. One of the most profound effects of lightning strike is brain injury, which can become a permanent disability. Other effects include problems with cognition and chronic, recurrent pain.
Cooper gives some of her lightning safety measures whenever these unexpected strikes are bound to happen. The foremost indication of danger is the sound of thunder. For those outside the open field, this means looking for cover – inside a house, a building, a car, but never under a tree.
Injuries can also happen indoors. Lightning is basically an electrical discharge, which means it will pass through every conductor it can find. That’s why desktop computers and landline phones should not be used during thunderstorms. Cell phones, however, is not much of a risk, since lightning cannot find their way indoors through detached cell phones. Using it while plugged in is another story. That means getting yourself hooked with every conductor for the lightning to pass through.
We should not underestimate the distance a lightning strike can cover. Even though you are 10 miles away from the thunderstorm, you may still be vulnerable to a lightning strike if you don’t stay indoors. One rule that should be remembered right after the thunderstorm is to stay inside for half an hour after the last thunder or lightning flash before going out.
Education on lightning safety is the best way to minimize the incidence of lightning injuries. The American Meteorological Society and the National Weather Service are now working on their lightning awareness program to be held every year in all areas of concern.

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