Lightning safety guidelines

Ann Emerg Med. 2002 Jun;39(6):660-4. doi: 10.1067/mem.2002.124439.

Abstract

On average, lightning causes more casualties annually in the United States than any other storm-related phenomenon except floods. Although 90% of those injured survive, they may have permanent sequelae and disability. Many of these people incur injuries or are killed by lightning because of misinformation and inappropriate behavior during thunderstorms. A few simple precautions can reduce lightning injury risk. To standardize recommended actions during thunderstorms, the Lightning Safety Group (LSG), composed of lightning experts from many lightning-related backgrounds, met at the American Meteorological Society meeting Phoenix, AZ, in January 1998 to collectively address personal lightning safety. This paper is a summary of the recommendations developed by the LSG.

Publication types

  • Comment

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Lightning Injuries / epidemiology
  • Lightning Injuries / prevention & control*
  • Lightning Injuries / therapy
  • Lightning*
  • United States