Myths and Facts about Lightning

1/31/2019 (Permalink)

Myths and Facts about Lightning

Myth: It’s not raining here, and skies above me are clear, therefore I am safe from lightning.

Fact: Lightning can strike many miles away from the thunderstorm. If storms are in your area, but skies happen to be clear above you, that certainly does not imply you are safe from lightning. Though these “Bolts from the Blue” are infrequent, lightning strikes 10 to 15 miles away from the storm are not out of the question.

Myth: Since I am inside my house and out of the storm, I am completely safe from lightning.

Fact: Just because you have taken shelter inside, you are not automatically safe. While inside waiting out a storm, avoid using the telephone or electrical appliances and do not take showers or baths. Also stay away from doors and windows. Telephone lines, cords, plumbing, even metal window, and door frames are all lightning conductors and pose a threat.

Myth: The rubber soles of shoes or rubber tires on a car will protect you from being struck by lightning.

Fact: Rubber soles of shoes and rubber tires provide NO protection from lightning. However, the steel frame of a hard-topped vehicle provides increased protection if you are not touching metal. Although you may still be injured if lightning strikes your car, you are much safer inside a vehicle than outside.

Myth: People struck by lightning carry an electrical charge and should not be touched.

Fact: Lightning strike victims carry no electrical charge and should be attended to immediately. Cardiac arrest and irregularities, burns, and nerve damage are common in cases where people are struck by lightning.