Lightning is one of the leading weather-related causes of death and injury in the United States. The average bolt of lightning carries over 100,000,000 volts and can reach out over 100 miles.
✓ Lightning can strike up to 5-10 miles in front of or behind the actual rain storm. Many people are struck by lightning without realizing they are in a risk area.
✓ Lightning will strike the easiest source to ground, not necessarily the highest.
✓ If you can hear thunder, you are within 10 miles of a storm and within reach of lightning. This is the time to seek shelter.
✓ If you begin to feel the hair on your body or head begin to rise, this could be a sign that the positive charge of your body is reaching up to the negative charge of the sky. A strike could be imminent. Stay low and seek shelter.
✓ During a rain storm, if you are caught in the open, crouch low. Do not lie on the ground – you are more apt to receive a secondary shock from the ground if lightning strikes near you.
✓ If someone is struck by lightning, they do not contain an electric charge. Provide first aid immediately and be prepared to provide CPR. Call emergency response services.
Premier Safety Solutions
Maryland Construction Safety Consultants
PO Box 353
Taneytown, MD 21787
410-346-8060