Lightning Strikes Leave Behind Deaths and Economic Devastation

Added 09:43 AM EDT, June 26, 2008

Planalytics (6/26/08) -- With all the advanced technology that allows meteorologists to predict storms, the threat of lightning continues to strike in unpredictable ways. This mysterious danger kills people and livestock, destroys man-made structures, and devastates the economy.

Lightning is ranked the second worst weather killer in the United States, falling behind the number one killer: floods. In Florida, however, lightning tops the list as the number one threat, killing an average of 62 Floridians each year.

Lightning is created as a result of friction between clouds. Bolts of lightning have the potential to reach temperatures of 54,000 degrees and to move as fast as 60,000 meters per second.

While lightning strikes are difficult to predict, the economic impacts they cause are not. In the United States, lightning damage causes an average of $5 billion in damages per year. Damages include costs and losses to agricultural livestock producers, forest fires ignited by lightning, damage to buildings and appliances and disruption of power and communication services.

In order to protect yourself from lightning strikes, the best place to be is in an enclosed structure, away from all electrical and plumbing sources. This reduces your chances of being struck.

If you are caught outside during a storm, squat low to the ground and assume the "lightning crouch." This is done by putting your head between your knees and placing your hands on top. Making yourself the smallest possible target is your best bet.