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Safety thoughts
Last year we ended up with 28 people killed by lightning and 238 injured. These numbers are gathered in a number of ways and over the last 5 years or so have proved to be pretty accurate.
All the fatalities were outside with Sundays being the most dangerous day at 25%, followed by Tuesday with 21%. 3 were direct hits and 19 were Ground strikes. One person was at work when struck. 3 were direct hits.
Of the 238 injuries 21% were on Mondays and 19% on Wednesdays, and the vast majority are ground strikes or indirect hits of some type. 13 of the injured were at work when they were injured, 1 was a direct hit.
Of the 27 indoor injuries Sundays and Mondays were the busiest days with 6 events each, or roughly 22%. Inside the most dangerous place to be is on a computer or in the basement.
We have a searchable database and would like any information you may have on individuals being struck.
Thank You, and PLEASE take head of our safety information.
Struckbylightning.org was formed to fill a need in lightning safety and education.
After being struck by lightning in May of 2000, Michael Utley found his life changed forever. Michael was struck on a golf course, his heart stopped, he spent 38 days in ICU at Brigham & Womens Hospital and another 3 ½ months in Health/South Rehab.
In the course of his recovery he was told many different things about lightning, lightning safety and recovery, much of the information was outdated, based on old wives tales, or just plain wrong.
Struckbylightning.org was started to dispel the myths about this amazing weather event.
Lightning safety is mostly common sense, planning and paying attention to the weather. There are a lot of myths out there and we hope the safety videos we have put up help to dispel them.
Tell a school teacher that they are up on our site, and help us change the world.
If you need a speaker for your group, Michael is an inspiring speaker with an incredible story, please give us a call.
Thanks for your help.
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Lightning safety has evolved over the years so now when we talk about the 30-30 Rule, instead of standing outside and counting, go inside and count. When Thunder Roars Go Indoors !
The Lightning Squat or Crouch is no longer taught since it probably does nothing and give a false sense of security.
Turning stuff off and unplugging stuff has also proved to do nothing except put people in danger while they are doing it.
5 Levels of Lightning Safety
Schedule out door activities to avoid lightning.
Know when & where to be in a safe place. When you hear thunder go to a safe place & stay there for 30 minutes after last thunder.
Avoid dangerous locations/activities (elevated places, open ares, tall isolated objects) & water related activities ( swimming, boating, near water) DO NOT GO UNDER TREES !
Last minute risk reduction, including the lightning crouch is a joke & probably does nothing at all. THERE IS NO PLACE SAFE OUTSIDE IN A THUNDER STORM
First Aid: Immediately start CPR !
If you do not follow the 1st 5, call Coroner & Priest
10-Apr-11
Mission
Our purpose is to promote lightning and electrical safety education. We wish to make "When Thunder Roars Go Indoors" as effective for lightning safety as "Stop Drop and Roll" is for fire safety. We want our
Safety Magnets in the hands of every elementary school child in the country, and go from there.
Donations
Make a tax-deductable donation to SBL and promote lightning safety. We accept credit cards through PayPal™.
