Lightning is the #1 storm killer in the U.S. Only 20% of those struck by lightning are killed. 70% survive, most with life-long injury or disability. Lightning causes approx. $5 billion in economic loss each year in the U.S. Lightning hits the earth 10 times every second. There are 8.6 million strikes each day.

Most lightning strikes occur either at the beginning or end of a storm Each lightning bolt is hotter than the sun. Some as hot as 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit. The average lightning strike is 6 miles long. Voltage in a cloud-to-ground lightning strike is 100 million to 1 billion volts.

Americans are twice as likely to die from lightning than from a hurricane, tornado or flood. FEMA estimates there are 200 deaths and 750 severe injuries from lightning each year in the U.S.

85 % of lightning victims are children and young men aged engaged in outdoor recreation and work activities. 70% of all lightning injuries and fatalities occur in the afternoon. Most lightning death involve people working outdoors.

Bad Night to be flying !!

Long term injuries from a lightning strike can include memory and attention loss, chronic numbness, muscle spasms & stiffness, depression, hearing loss and sleep disturbance.

Oil Tank Hit By Lightning

Lightning starts forest fires !!

Annually, there are more than 10,000 forest fires caused by lightning.

Lightning started this fire. Two fire fighters lost their life fighting the fire !!

Lightning Strikes Oil Refinery, Time Exposure

Lightning can be exciting to watch if your in a safe place.

Communication towers taking multiple lightning strikes.

Memorials Dale Alan Bradley. OHS Class of 1975, Born 7/57, Died 8/80. Worked as a compression engineer supervisor for I.R. Dale was killed by lightning while working on an oil rig in western Oklahoma. Survived by daughter April and younger brother Patrick.

Lightning is responsible for power outages, repairs and costly damage to electrical appliances.

Indirect hit to the body by lightning.

3 rd. Degree burns by lightning strike

MYTH: Rubber-soled shoes or rubber tires on a car will protect you.

How to treat lightning victims Seek immediate medical attention. If necessary, immediately begin CPR. Victims do not retain an electrical charge and are safe to handle. Check for burns along the extremities and around areas in contact with metal. Treat electrical burns the same as other types of burns.

Cattle killed by lightning strike

1766, The study of lightning is a social affair.

When you see lightning, count the time until you hear thunder. If this time is 30 seconds or less, seek proper shelter. Wait 30 minutes or more after hearing the last thunder before going back to work.

Avoid higher elevations. Avoid wide open areas Avoid tall isolated objects like trees, power/ light poles and derricks. Avoid metal fences. Avoid water related activities. Do not go under trees to keep dry during thunderstorms.

35 Years of Lightning Deaths and Injuries 40% Unreported 27% Open fields & Recreation Areas 14% Under Trees 8% Water Related,(Boating, Fishing, Swimming. 5% Golf 3% Heavy Equipment and Machinery 2.4% Telephone Related 0.7% Radio, Transmitter/Antenna

Do You Know When To Get Out Of The Rain??