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Play it Safe around Lightning Think the chances of being struck by lightning are remote? Well, they are. But not as remote as you might think. Fact is, lightning is responsible for more deaths than any other weather event in America, besides flooding. Each year in the United States, an average of 73 people are killed by lightning, with hundreds more seriously injured. For the outdoor adventurer, this is nothing to take lightly; after all, there is no place more dangerous to be in an electrical storm than outside. Fortunately, accurate and timely local weather forecasts are available from numerous sources, including the Weather Channel, weather.com and NOAA weather radio. If the forecast calls for thunderstorms, play it safe: Plan your outing for another day. Here are some more lightning facts and pointers to consider: Lightning casualties are highest in the summer with most incidents occurring in the afternoon. Florida is the lightning capital of America, thanks to warm temperatures and high humidity. Your best refuge in a lightning storm is a metal-shelled car or substantially constructed, fully enclosed building. In the absence of shelter, get low. Descend from ridgelines or summits. Avoid isolated trees or isolated clumps of trees. Under forest canopy, try to avoid the tallest trees. In the open, crouch down with feet together, hands over ears. Most deaths from lightning are due to cardiac arrest and/or stoppage of breathing. It is a myth that lightning victims are dangerous to approach. Administer CPR immediately. 9 out of 10 lightning victims survive, although many will suffer chronic aftereffects for years. Remember, there is no guaranteed protection from lightning strikes. But if you play it smart, you can greatly reduce the chances of risk or injury. To find out more about lightning and lightning safety, visit the National Weather Service's Lightning Safety Program. Image courtesy NOAA Photo Library. Up to Top