How To Survive ‘The Lightning Capital of the U.S’
Florida has many distinctions: sunniest location in the continental U.S.; oldest continuous European settlement; longest coastline in the contiguous states; southern-most point in the U.S., etc.
One superlative our family practice doctors at Cohen Medical Associates of Delray Beach wish we didn’t hold is “Lightning Capital of the U.S.” More people die from lightning strikes in Florida every year than in any other state, and the southeastern coast of the state is second only to the Tampa area in reported fatalities.
In 2019 to date, eight Floridians have been killed by lightning, including a motorcyclist who was struck while riding on I-95 in June. Lightning is the number one cause of weather-related deaths in Florida. According to the National Lightning Safety Institute, 126 people in Florida died from lightning strikes between 1990 and 2003, and 10 times that number have been injured.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), our unique location—a peninsula surrounded by water—is the ideal breeding ground for thunderstorms, which of course trigger lightning. This is due to the clash between the warm land—with temperatures in the upper 80s to low 90s in the summer—and the relatively cooler ocean temperatures. When cool ocean breezes meet the hotter air over land, the collision between the two creates thunderstorms.
Lightning facts and myths
According to the NWS, myths about lightning abound. Here are a few:
Myth: Cars are safe because the rubber tires insulate them from the ground.
Truth: Rubber tires provide no protection from lightning. Cars are safe because of their metal shell and steel frame. Convertibles are not safe.
Myth: Lightning-strike victims are electrified and should not be touched.
Truth: Lightning-strike victims carry no residual electrical charge. It is perfectly safe to touch a lightning victim to give them first aid.
Myth: If it is not raining, then there is no danger from lightning.
Truth: Lightning often strikes outside of the rain area to as much as 10 miles (even greater distances in exceptional situations).
Myth: Heat lightning occurs after very hot summer days and poses no hazard.
Truth: Heat lightning is a term used to describe lightning from a thunderstorm too far away for the thunder to be heard. The lightning hazard increases as you move toward the storm and eventually the thunder will also be heard.
Lightning safety rules
There’s a good reason to stay away from trees in a thunderstorm. Lightning can strike taller objects near a person, and the current can jump to a person standing nearby. If lightning strikes a tree, the current can travel through the ground to anyone nearby.
And, while metal does not attract lightning, it can create a path for the current to travel along.
The NWS offers these guidelines to avoid being struck by lightning:
- Appoint someone to watch the skies during your outdoor work or recreation. Check the latest thunderstorm forecast and monitor the NOAA Weather Radio.
- When lightning is in your vicinity, go quickly inside a completely closed building. Do not consider carports, open garages, covered patios, or pavilions adequate shelter.
- If no closed building is convenient, get inside a hard-topped, all-metal vehicle and be sure the windows are completely closed.
- Do not take shelter under a tree, especially if it is tall and isolated.
- Get out of the water. This includes pools, lakes, rivers, oceans, water rides, and even puddles. And leave the beach immediately if you see or hear a thunderstorm approaching.
- Put down metal objects such as fishing poles, golf clubs, tennis rackets, tools, etc.
- Dismount from tractors and heavy construction equipment. Do not seek shelter under the equipment.
- Move away from metal objects such as metal fences, metal sheds, telephone and power lines, pipelines, etc.
Indoor safety
- Avoid contact with corded phones.
- Avoid contact with electrical equipment or cords. If you plan to unplug any electrical equipment, do so before the storm arrives.
- Avoid contact with plumbing. When thunderstorms are occurring, do not take a shower or bath, wash dishes, or do the laundry.
- Move away from windows and doors. Do not stay on the porch.
If someone is struck
Call 911 immediately.
- Determine whether the victim is unconscious. Check to see if they are breathing, and gently roll the victim onto their back.
- If the victim is not breathing, perform CPR until the paramedics arrive. (A reminder: Mouth-to-mouth breathing is no longer recommended to revive someone; regular chest compressions—between 100 and 120 a minute—are more effective.)
- Always keep in mind the NWS directive: When thunder roars, go indoors.
And, as always, contact us with any questions you may have.
