Lightning Facts and Safety Tips

When is Lightning Season?

Lightning strikes in Florida can occur all year. Spring and Fall thunderstorms are caused by

weather fronts that are forecasted and warnings are provided. Summertime is the most

dangerous season because storms develop on top of you with no warning. The first

bolt from a storm is typically the killer.

What are the Types of Lightning Strikes?

Direct Strike: This bolt strikes directly carrying 30,000 amps, 100 million volts and a

temperature of 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Very unlikely to survive a direct strike.

Side Flash: A bolt that arcs to you from an object that is struck creating a path of least

resistance.

Step Voltage / Ground Current: This bolt strikes within 100 feet and the voltage jumps across

the ground, wet pavement, pools of water or other electrical pathways.

Contact Voltage / Conduction: Victim is has direct contact with an object that is struck by the

bolt. Examples include poles, towers, vehicle or building surfaces.

Where does Lightning Strike?

• Most strikes happen in open areas especially under trees - stay away from tall isolated trees or other tall objects. Don't be the tallest object in the area.
  

• Outdoor water activities like fishing, pools and beaches. Stay away from water, wet items and metal objects. Water and metal do not attract lightning but they are excellent conductors of electricity.
  

• Lightning can strike as far as 10 -20 miles from the rain storm. If you can hear thunder, you are within striking distance. Seek shelter inside and wait 30 minutes from the last bolt before going outside

Where is Lightning Alley in Florida?

Florida is known as the lightning capital of the Unites States. The corridor between Tampa Bay and Titusville is known as Lightning Alley because it receives the most lightning in the USA on an annual basis. The sunshine and the oceans of Florida's geography play important roles in the development of thunderstorms. Those same elements that make Florida such a great place to live increases the risk of Floridians being struck because they are outside most of the time. Statics prove the prime times for a lightning strike are between 12 PM to 6:00 PM.

Schedule a class and learn more about CPR and lighting strikes. Always be prepared to make a difference and save a life.