In this Sunday’s Denver Examiner, Tony Hake takes a look at lightning safety.

‘In the United States there are an estimated 25 million cloud to ground lightning flashes each year and each one is a potential threat to life and property. During the past 10 years there has been an annual average of 44 lightning fatalities in the United States.

Colorado is ranked # 2 in lightning related deaths (1997 – 2006) so the danger this presents to life and property is very significant for us. It is interesting to note though that Colorado ranks only 31st in the number of cloud to ground strikes over that same period. We have fewer strikes and yet more deaths. This highlights the fact that, quite frankly, folks here in Colorado are not aware of the dangers lightning presents and they simply do not take proper steps to protect themselves. One of the great things about Colorado are the outdoor activities we all enjoy, but there comes a time when we need to head indoors.

Three years ago in 2006, Colorado had the sad distinction of having more lightning fatalities than anywhere else – six of them – as well as 15 injuries from lightning. In 2007 we improved with two fatalities and six people who survived a strike. Last year, in 2008, four Coloradoans were killed by lightning and seven injured. On average, Colorado suffers three deaths and 13 injuries.
As thunderstorm season approaches, it is time to educate ourselves on the dangers of lightning.

Lightning Fast Facts

- If you can see it or hear it, lightning can hit you. Find shelter now.
- The primary rule for lightning safety: When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!
- Lightning is the number two weather killer in the United States (behind floods), killing more than hurricanes and tornadoes combined.Lightning kills about 60 people in the U.S. each year and inflicts severe life-long debilitating injuries on at least a 1,000 people a year.
- Every 5 seconds between flash and boom is a mile’s distance from you.
- Under ideal conditions, lightning’s thunder can be heard 12 miles away.
- Lightning is really no wider than a few inches.
- “Bolts from the Blue” – These lightning flashes have been documented to travel more than 25 miles away from the thunderstorm cloud. Clear skies above you are no indication of how dangerous a nearby storm is!
- The air within a lightning strike can reach 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Lightning can heat its path five times hotter than the surface of the sun.
- One ground lightning stroke can generate between 100 million and 1 billion volts of electricity.”

Full story in the Examiner.

Photo from http://justin.es11webhost.com/