What is Lightning?

 

The action of rising and descending air within a thunderstorm separates positive and negative electrical charges.  Lightning results from the buildup and discharge of electrical energy between these positively and negatively charged areas.  Lightning charges may reach as high as 100 million volts.  This electrical charge is always searching for the path of least resistance to

complete the circuit. 

 

Lightning will normally strike the tallest object in the area of the potential discharge.  Tall trees, light poles and telephone lines are frequent

targets for lightning strikes.  Lightning is always a potential killer.  Whether the storm is a large spring-time severe storm or the more common afternoon variety, it contains this deadly killer.  It may strike an isolated tree or an object out in the open, or it may strike you. 

 

Keep in mind that you do not have to be standing directly beneath a cloud to be hit.  Lightning may strike many miles from the parent storm.  In an average year lightning will claim more victims than tornadoes or hurricanes.

 

 

Lightning

The Underrated Killer

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

 

EVERY THUNDERSTORM CONTAINS LIGHTNING. 

 

 

Lightning Safety Rules—Outdoors

Seek shelter inside a house, large building or an all metal vehicle with the windows rolled up (avoid convertibles).

 

If your hair stands on end and your skin tingles... lightning is about to strike.  Take cover immediately!

 

If you can't find appropriate shelter, get down to avoid being the highest point for a lightning discharge.  When caught in the open, seek shelter in a low area.  Crouch down and cover your head with your hands.  If you are with a group of people, everyone should scatter out before crouching.

 

If caught in a wooded area seek out the area with the smallest trees.  Stand at least five feet from the trunk of the nearest tree to avoid flying bark, should the tree be hit by lightning.

When boating, head for shore and get into a shelter, or vehicle.  If caught in a boat, lie

down in the boat with cushions between you and the boat's side and bottom.

 

AVOID

Large trees, hilltops and other high places.

 

Chain link fences and any other metal fences like those around ball parks and play grounds.

 

Motorcycles, scooters, golf carts, small metal sheds, bicycles, tractors and farm equipment that does not have an enclosed metal cab.

                

Do you know what group of people are most likely to get struck by lightning? It is farmers,

followed then by golfers.