Summer is the peak season for lightning -- one of the country's deadliest weather occurrences.
But because lightning generally claims only one or two victims at a time, most Americans do not realize how dangerous thunderstorms can be.
"While the vast majority of those struck by lightning survive, they frequently have permanent aftereffects, which can include chronic pain, brain injury and thought-processing problems," said Dr. Mary Ann Cooper, director of the lightning injury research program and professor of emergency medicine at the University of Illinois at Chicago.
To raise awareness of the danger posed by lightning, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Weather Service have declared June 18-24 Lightning Safety Awareness Week.
Between 60 and 70 people are killed each year by lightning and 10 times more are injured, according to NOAA.
Most people seriously underestimate the risk of being struck and do not know when or where to take shelter. "Decisions about lightning safety must be made by the individual, but education can help people reduce their chances of being struck by lightning," Cooper said.
And when planning outdoor activities, know what shelter is available and where to go if you hear thunder. "The rule is, 'when thunder roars, go indoors,'" Cooper said.
The following are facts and tips for staying safe this summer:
~ Lightning can strike as far as 10 miles away from the rain area of a thunderstorm.
~ The Fourth of July is historically one of the most deadly times of year for lightning because so many people are involved in outdoor activities.
~ The best protection is buildings that are fully enclosed with a roof, walls and floor, such as a home, school, office building or a shopping center. A fully enclosed, hard-top car or other vehicle is safe, although you should make sure all doors are closed and windows rolled up.
~ Wait 30 minutes after the last crack of thunder before resuming activities or driving home. If you are driving, pull over. A flash of lightning can startle you and cause temporary blindness.
~ There is no safe place to be outside in a thunderstorm. Avoid picnic shelters, dugouts, sheds and other partially open or small structures.
~ Do not seek shelter under tall isolated trees. It may help you stay dry, but will actually increase your chances of being struck by lightning.
~ Lightning is more likely to strike the tallest object within about 100 feet of the individual, but a person should not rely on this for safety.
~ It's important to understand how lightning travels and take precautions. When lightning enters a structure, it can travel through the electrical, phone, plumbing, and radio/television reception systems. Surprisingly, hard-wired phone use is the leading cause of indoor lightning injuries in the United States, according to Cooper. Cell phones are quite safe, except for distracting the individual from seeking safety.
Cooper, who is a fellow of the American Meteorological Society, is considered the leading international expert on lightning strike injuries. She works closely with NOAA's National Weather Service in its annual education program. More information about lightning and lighting safety is available at http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov.
Editors Note: Extended interview as MP3 audio file available upon request.
For more information about UIC, visit http://www.uic.edu
