Lightning Myths Debunked: When 'Thunder Roars, Get Indoors'

The summer months bring time on the lake, baseball games, grill outs, bonfires and park time for families. It also brings chances for severe weather, including thunder and lightning.

The National Weather Service in Glasgow recently put out a post on social media with the goal of informing partners and the public about debunking myths associated with lightning, including, how to react when caught outside in a thunderstorm, whether or not lightning strikes the same place twice and that you are safe from lighting if it's not raining or there aren't clouds overhead.

To get more information on these myths and how to stay safe while enjoying our favorite summer activities, The Courier sat down with Brandon Bigelbach, National Weather Service meteorologist, to discuss ways that everyone can make the right choices when lightning strikes.

In Bigelbach's opinion, the myth of if you are caught during a thunderstorm, you should crouch down to reduce your risk of being struck is a big misconception. "Getting low to the ground doesn't make you any safer from lightning than standing up. There are no outdoor locations that should be considered safe from lightning," said Bigelbach. "The best way to stay safe is to keep an eye on the skies, and when you hear thunder roar, get indoors."

A house certainly is considered a safe place to be during a thunderstorm, but anything that conducts electricity should be avoided, as there could still be an electrocution risk. Bigelbach states to stay off of corded phones, and avoid electrical appliances, wires, TV cables, computers, plumbing, metal doors and windows. "Windows can be hazardous as wind-thrown debris, as well as any potential hail, has the ability to break windows and cause harm. Also, in some older and less maintained homes, lightning may be able to penetrate cracks in the windows." states Bigelbach.

Bigelbach stressed the importance of safety by also debunking the myth that if a person is struck by lightning, anyone who attempts to render aid will get electrocuted. This is not true as the human body does not store electricity, so it's safe to provide first aid and even CPR. "If you see a person struck by lightning, immediately call for help and administer what first aid you feel comfortable giving," said Bigelbach. "Inaction based on untrue information could easily and sadly lead to the victim being unable to recover from the injury of a lightning strike."

Lightning strikes the United States about 25 million times a year, and it's not just contained to the summer time. On average, lightning kills 47 people a year in the United States and hundreds more are severely injured. "In the summer months, everyone wants to be able to enjoy everyday with fun activities, however when there is a threat of thunderstorms in your area, your life and health are significantly more important than continuing on with the activity," said Bigelbach.

To learn more about the myths associated with lightning, visit http://www.weather.gov/safety/lightning-myths. Always keep up-to-date on the weather forecast by checking the NWS website http://www.wrh.noaa. gov/ggw/.