Lightning Quiz
Thursday, May 7, 2009 at 11:13AM
TRUE OR FALSE?
FALSE: Lightning has "favorite" sites that it may hit many times during one storm.
2. Lightning often strikes outside of heavy rain and may occur as far as 10 miles away from any rainfall.
TRUE
3. The rubber soles of shoes or rubber tires on a car will protect you from being struck by lightning.
FALSE: Rubber-soled shoes and rubber tires provide NO protection from lightning. However, the steel frame of a hard-topped vehicle provides increased protection if you are not touching metal. Although you may be injured if lightning strikes your car, you are much safer inside a vehicle than outside.
4. Lightning-strike victims carry no electrical charge and should be attended to immediately.
TRUE
5. What is referred to as "heat lightning" is actually lightning from a thunderstorm too far away for thunder to be heard. However, the storm may be moving in your direction!
TRUE
6. Phone use is the leading cause of indoor lightning injuries in the United States. Lightning can travel long distances in both phone and electrical wires, particularly in rural areas.
TRUE
7. Memorial Day is historically one of the most deadly times of the year for lightning in the U.S.
FALSE: The Fourth of July is historically one of the most deadly times of the year for lightning in the U.S. In summer, especially on a holiday, more people are outside, on the beach, golf course, mountains, or ball fields. Outdoor jobs such as construction and agriculture, and outdoor chores such as lawn mowing or house painting are at their peak, putting people involved in danger.
8. Your chances of being struck by lightning are estimated to be 1 in 600,000, but could be reduced even further by following safety precautions.
TRUE
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