Written by Lauren Murphy, SIU School of Medicine
An average of 37 people are killed due to lightning strikes each year. In support of National Lightning Safety Awareness Month, we’re busting the most popular lightning myths.
Myth or fact: Metal found in items such as jewelry, cell phones or watches can attract lightning.
Myth. According to the NOAA, the presence of metal does not determine where lightning strikes. Rather, lightning is attracted to tall, pointy, isolated structures. For example, mountains are made of stone but are struck many times each year. While metal does not attract lightning, it is important to note that metal does conduct, so stay away from metal fences, bleachers and other objects containing metal.
Myth or fact: Lightning never strikes the same place twice.
Myth. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), lightning often strikes the same place repeatedly, especially if the object is tall, pointy and isolated. For example, the Empire State Building is struck nearly 100 times each year.
Myth or fact: If there aren’t clouds overhead or if it’s not raining, you’re safe from lightning.
Myth. Lightning often strikes within three miles of the center of the thunderstorm, far outside rain or thunderstorm clouds. Though less common, lightning can strike up to 10-15 miles from the thunderstorm.
Myth or fact: The rubber on your vehicle’s tires will protect you from lightning.
Myth. While it’s true that most cars are safe from lightning, it isn’t the rubber tires that protect you, says the NOAA. It’s actually the car’s metal roof and sides that shield you from the effects of lightning. When lightning strikes a vehicle, it travels through the metal frame and into the ground. So, during a thunderstorm, stay inside your vehicle and avoid leaning on any car doors!
Myth or fact: It’s unsafe to touch a victim who has been struck by lightning; you’ll get shocked.
Myth. The human body will not store electricity, so following a lightning strike, it’s completely safe to give the victim first aid, such as CPR.
Myth or fact: You’re 100% safe from lightning if you are in a house.
Myth. Houses are one of the safest places to be during a thunderstorm, but if you’re touching or using anything that conducts electricity, such as corded phones, electrical appliances, wires, TV cables, computers, plumbing or metal doors and windows, you are at risk of being shocked. You may have also heard that you should stay away from windows. According to the NOAA, this is good advice for two reasons: First, in a nasty thunderstorm, high winds can blow objects into windows and break them; and secondly, in older homes, lightning can come in the cracks in the sides of windows.
To learn more about how to best protect yourself from lightning strikes, visit http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/index.shtml.
Copyright © SIU School of Medicine, Springfield, Illinois