Lightning Fiction and Fact

Fiction:  If it is not raining, then there is no danger from lightning.

Fact:  Lightning often strikes outside of heavy rain and may occur as far as 10 miles away from any rainfall.  This is especially true in the western United States where thunderstorms sometimes produce very little rain.

Fiction:  The rubber soles of shoes or rubber tires on a car will protect you from being struck by lightning.

Fact:  Rubber-soled shoes and rubber tires provide NO protection from lightning.  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.

Fiction:  People struck by lightning should not be touched because they carry an electrical charge.

Fact:  Lightning strike victims carry no electrical charge and should be attended to immediately.  Anyone who has sustained a lightning strike requires professional medical care.  Call 9-1-1 and begin CPR immediately if the person has stopped breathing.  Contact your local American Red Cross chapter for information on CPR and first aid classes.

Fiction:  “Heat lightning” occurs after very hot summer days and poses no threat.

Fact:  “Heat lightning” is a term used to describe lightning from a thunderstorm too far away to be heard.