How Dangerous is Lighting?
Lightning is a major cause of storm related
deaths in the
U.S..
A lightning strike can result
in a cardiac arrest (heart stopping) at the time of the
injury, although some victims may appear to have a delayed
death a few days later if they are resuscitated but have
suffered irreversible brain damage.
According to the NWS Storm Data, over the last
30 years (1981-2010) the U.S. has averaged 54 reported lightning fatalities per year. Only about 10% of people who are struck by lightning
are killed, leaving 90% with various degrees of disability.
ODDS OF BECOMING A LIGHTNING VICTIM
(based on averages for 2001-2010) |
Estimated U.S. population as of 2011 |
310,000,000 |
Annual Number of Deaths Reported |
39 |
Number of Injuries Reported |
241 |
280 |
Estimated number of U.S. Deaths |
40 |
Estimated number of actual Injuries |
360 |
400 |
Odds of being struck by lightning in a given year (reported deaths + injuries) |
1/1,000,000 |
Odds of being struck by lightning in a given year (estimated total deaths + injuries) |
1/775,000 |
Odds of being struck in your lifetime (Est. 80 years) |
1/10,000 |
Odds you will be affected by someone being struck (Ten people affected for every one struck) |
1/1000 |
|
