Originally published August 2 2005
Many die by lightning because they don't find safe shelter
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
The number of avoidable deaths via lightning has skyrocketed over the past year because people do not seek safe forms of shelter.
An average of 67 people are killed by lightning each year in the United States.
Last weekend, lightning killed a worker at a mobile home park in Grayson, Ky., and a father and his step-son at the beach in Gulf Shores, Ala.
Another 16 people were injured by lightning in Florida, North Carolina and Wisconsin.
Many of the deaths are avoidable, officials say.
"Too often, people wait too long before seeking safe shelter from a thunderstorm and find themselves caught outside in a very dangerous and sometimes deadly situation," said John Jensenius, a lightning safety expert with the NOAA National Weather Service.
"If you can hear thunder, you're likely within striking distance and need to get to a safe place immediately," Jensenius said.
"If you're outside, you also should keep a watchful eye on the sky for developing thunderstorms, especially if background noise interferes with your ability to hear thunder."
A substantial building is the safest place to be.
A hard-topped metal vehicle is a good second choice, NOAA advises.
Inside, avoid contact with any electrical equipment or plumbing, stay off corded phones and stay away from windows and doors.
Lightning often strikes as far as 10 miles away from any rainfall, scientists say.
It can travel sideways and strike under blue skies.
Lightning is the second most frequent weather-related killer in the United States, trailing only flooding.
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