ER Physician Tells You How To Avoid A Lightning Strike And What To Do If One Occurs

[steven johnson]

Lightning injuries affect 800 to 1000 persons per year.
http://www.uic.edu/labs/lightninginjury/treatment.html

ScienceDaily (Aug. 7, 2009) — An estimated 200 people die each year in the U.S. after being struck by lightning. An extremely brief but intense hit delivers more than 10 million volts and is fatal in about 30 percent of cases. Recent lightning strikes in Newark resulted in one death and three injuries.

Prevention begins by seeking cover at the start of a storm. “Lightning seems to be concentrated at the forefront of a storm,” according to Zinzuwadia, “so there tends to be a greater risk of being hit by lightning at the beginning of a storm.”

Once inside, FEMA advises that people avoid contact with corded phones and electrical equipment or cords; do not wash your hands, take a shower, wash dishes, or do laundry because plumbing and bathroom fixtures can conduct electricity; stay away from windows and doors; stay off porches; and do not lie on concrete floors or lean against concrete walls.

ER Physician Tells You How To Avoid A Lightning Strike And What To Do If One Occurs

[blue neen]

1. This is valuable information to have.

I didn't know about the practice of standing on one leg, but it sure makes sense!

[notesdev]

2. The first thing to do after getting hit by lightning:

buy a lottery ticket