When an Accident Occurs

     If you are outside and you can hear thunder the storm is close enough to be dangerous. The best way to measure how far the lightning strike was is by counting off the distance between the lightning and thunder in seconds. The sound of thunder can travel one mile in five seconds. After you see the lightning began counting off the seconds. If, for example, you count ten seconds then the lightning was two miles away. Scientists say if you are less than six miles away you are in the high danger zone. This is because lightning can strike several miles away from a storm cloud.

Lightning Distance Calculator

Directions: Place the top number into the calculator below. Press the calculate miles button. The calculator will figure the number of miles for you. Your answer will appear in the lower box.

If you heard thunder seconds after the flash,

then the lightning was miles away.

     If you are caught in a lightning storm you should do the following things:

  • Get off the telephone.

  • Go inside a building.

  • If no building is around go to a car and roll up the windows.

  • If no car is around find a low area. Don't hide in a ditch because it could flood.

  • Don't lie down. Roll your body into a ball.

  • Stay away from water such as rivers, the bathtub, or lakes.

  • Don't touch metal.

  • Don't stand near tall objects like trees or flag poles.

     A person who has been hit by lightning is not dangerous to touch. Move this person to safety immediately then send for help. If the person is not breathing, began CPR.

Victims of lightning strikes may have a number of symptoms. The most common symptoms are:

  • cardiac arrest - This is the main cause of death.

  • central nervous system damage

  • burns

  • deafness or hearing loss

  • blindness or loss of eyesight

  • muscle or ligament tearing, bone fractures

Less Common Symptoms

  • dizziness
 lightning-draw.gif (64099 bytes)
  • disorientation
  • nausea
  • headaches
  • seizures
  • mental depression
  • loss of senses - eyesight or hearing problems, loss of touch, inability to feel heat, cold pressure, or pain

Preparation and Prevention

When an Accident Occurs

Online Quiz on Lightning Safety

 
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