More people die from lightning strikes in Florida every year than in any other state. Why? It’s simple really. We have more lightning, and we are fourth in population. On average, 10 people die each year from lightning. Statistics show that teenage boys are most vulnerable. People in their 30’s are the next most likely victims, followed by those in their 20’s.

Florida’s unique location, surrounded by warm water, provides the necessary ingredients for thunderstorms to form. It has earned us the title of “Lightning Capital of the U.S.” Other places in the world have even more lightning though. According to a NASA study, there are areas in the tropics of Africa, Asia, and South and Central America that have more lightning then Florida does. Rwanda, a country in Africa, is known as the lightning capital of the world.

July - The Cruelest Month

July is the worst month for lightning deaths in our state. Summer brings thunderstorms. In July, kids are not usually in school at all. They are more likely to be outside when a thunderstorm approaches. The Fourth-of-July holiday weekend is particularly dangerous. With many outdoor activities taking place during the afternoon and evening, a prime time for summer thunderstorms, it is easy to see why it can be so dangerous.

Deaths due to weather / weather related phenomena in FLORIDA: 1959-1993

• Lightning 53.1%
• Drowning 16.1%
• Tornadoes 12.9%
• Hurricanes 8.7%
• Wind 4.2%
• Cold 3.5%
• Misc 1.5%

Total Number of people killed by Lightning in FLORIDA: 1959 - 1994

• 351 Killed
• 1178 Injured
• Average Number Killed per year - 10
• Average Number injured per year - 33

Based on the numbers above, odds are about 1 in 4 that you will be killed if struck by lightning.

Safety:

If you can see lightning or hear thunder, even in the distance, you are in danger. Go indoors or into a vehicle and remain there until 30 minutes after the last thunder is heard.

Being safe from lightning is all about being in the right place. The most likely place to be struck by lightning in Florida is near water. Boating, beach going, or fishing in a canal can all be deadly activities when lightning is near. The second deadliest location is being near or under a tree. Trees may give some shelter from rain, but are often deadly locations during lightning. Group sporting events such as baseball, football and soccer are particularly hazardous. Tragically, persons in charge of such events often wait too long before “calling” the game so that people can take refuge. Perhaps this is the reason young people are most often the victims of lightning strikes.

• Vehicles
• In general, fully enclosed metal vehicles such as cars, trucks, buses, vans, fully enclosed farm vehicles, etc. with the windows rolled up provide good shelter from lightning.
• Avoid contact with metal or conducting surfaces outside or inside the vehicle.
• Indoors
• Avoid water
• Stay away from doors and windows.
• Do not use the telephone.
• Take off head sets.
• Lightning may strike exterior electric and phone lines, inducing shocks to inside equipment, so turn off, unplug, and stay away from appliances, computers, power tools, & TV sets.
• Outdoors
• Avoid water
• Avoid the high ground and open spaces
• Avoid all metal objects including electric wires, fences, machinery, motors, power tools, etc
• Unsafe places include:
1. underneath canopies
2. small picnic or rain shelters
3. near trees.
• If lightning is striking nearby when you are outside, you should:
1. Crouch down
2. Put feet together
3. Avoid proximity ( minimum of 15 ft. ) to other people.
4. SUSPEND ACTIVITIES for 30 minutes after the last observed lightning or thunder.