The news that 77 Air Force ROTC cadets escaped injury after lightning struck a utility pole at their camp in Mississippi earlier this week reminds us not to overlook this dangerous hazard.
While seasonal severe thunderstorms have rightly put the focus on tornadoes, lightning is an underrated killer and cause of property damage.
I.I.I. facts + statistics on lightning show that in 2010 there were 29 lightning fatalities, five less than the 2009 total of 34 deaths and ten below the 10-year average of 39 fatalities.
Insured losses from lightning-related claims totaled just over $1 billion in 2010, up 30 percent from $798 million in 2009, according to the I.I.I.
The I.I.I. video below dispels some of the myths about lightning:
Here’s a great story about proper respect for lightning:
http://highschool.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1230222
Basically, an NJ kid was running a record-setting race, but was veered off the track because there was lightning in the area.
The kid and his family were bummed, but as the organizers pointed out, more people were at risk than just the boy – the bleachers were aluminum, and everyone rooting him on was in danger.
Good call in NJ!
Great story Jim – thanks for sharing it.