Georgia Lightning Awareness Week: June 19-25, 2011
Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at 04:17PM 
Lightning is one of the leading causes of weather deaths in the United States. From 1995 to 2010, lightning caused 26 deaths in Georgia. Most lightning deaths occur in the summer months - usually in the afternoon and evening hours. Also, most deaths occur when people are caught outside during a storm.
Lightning results from the buildup and release of electrical energy between positive and negative charges between the earth and a thunderstorm. A single lightning bolt can be as hot as 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit - hotter even than the surface of the sun. This rapid heating and cooling of the air creates a shock wave which we hear as thunder. Lightning will usually strike the highest object in area. This includes trees, antennas, a boat on a lake, or a person standing in a field.
So, what should you do to protect yourself?
- When thunder roars, go indoors! If you can hear thunder, you are already at risk. If you are outside, get inside a building or vehicle. Stay indoors until 30 minutes after you hear the last clap of thunder. If you cannot find shelter, do not stand under a tree or remain in an open place when lightning is near. Avoid open water, as well as tractors, bicycles, motorcycles, or golf carts. These will not provide protection, and may actually attract lightning.
- Enclosed vehicles are generally safe, if you avoid contact with metal surfaces.
- If you are in a forest, seek shelter in a low area under a thick growth of small trees.
- If you are outside, and feel your hair stand on end, this indicates lightning is about to strike. Drop to your knees and roll forward to the balls of your feet. Place your hands on your knees and tuck your head down. Do not lie flat on the ground.
- If you are boating or swimming, get to land as quickly as possible.
- If you are inside, don't use a telephone or other electrical equipment unless in an emergency.
- Do not take a bath or shower during a thunderstorm.
READ MORE ABOUT LIGHTNING SAFETY FROM THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
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