A Shocking Increase
In the number of deaths caused by lightning in the US this year. 14 people were killed in the last half of the month of July alone, bringing the total for 2006 to 27 in 19 different states. Experts at the National Weather Service are reminding people about the basic number one rule of thunderstorms:
"In the past two weeks, we've seen an alarming increase in the number of lightning deaths in this country," said John Jensenius, a lightning safety expert with the NOAA National Weather Service. "People are ignoring the common warning signs of thunderstorms or failing to get to a safe place when thunderstorms threaten."
So far this year, lightning has claimed 27 lives in 19 states. Three other deaths in the last two weeks might have been lightning-related but are not in the officials statistics.
Among the lightning deaths this year:
- Four involved teens playing soccer in three separate incidents.
- Three were golf-related.
- Two people were riding lawn mowers.
"Unfortunately, the same fatal mistakes that have been made for centuries are being repeated today," Jensenius said today. "With lightning, there is no safe place outside when a thunderstorm is nearby. If you can hear thunder, you're likely within striking distance of the storm and need to get to a safe place immediately."
In an average year, 66 Americans are killed by lightning and hundreds are injured.
Let's review, shall we? There is no safe place outside when a thunderstorm is nearby. None. Zero. Zip. My kids have been taught to get inside when they hear thunder. Don't wait for the storm to get to you, lightning can strike even when the sky is bright blue directly overhead. It happened in this area a few years ago. The storm was estimated to be several miles away and still killed a couple of kids on a soccer field. It was nice and sunny where they were.
We'd hate to lose a reader, so get inside, would you? I guess I was overly optimistic when I mentioned this once before.
By Guy, Saturday, 5 August , 2006 @ 4:52 pm
Wonder if their “Mommy” ever told them to get out of the
rainlightning.By Gaius, Saturday, 5 August , 2006 @ 5:10 pm
I had a close encounter with lightning once when I thought it was safe. That pretty much learned me!