Lightning: Fact Or Fiction?

2/18/2020 (Permalink)

According to the National Weather Service, lightning strikes claim the lives of dozens of people.  Countless others are severely wounded, which can lead to physical and neurological damage.  Unfortunately, a number of these instances may have been prevented if not due to misinformation.

Myth: If a storm rolls in, you should crouch down to minimize your risk of being hit by lightning.

Fact: According to the National Weather Service, “Crouching doesn't make you any safer outdoors. Run to a substantial building or hard topped vehicle. If you are too far to run to one of these options, you have no good alternative. You are NOT safe anywhere outdoors.”

Myth: Lightning never strikes the same place twice.

Fact: "Lightning often strikes the same place repeatedly, especially if it's a tall, pointy, isolated object. The Empire State Building is hit an average of 23 times a year.”

Myth: If there doesn’t appear to be a storm directly overhead, you are safe from lightning strikes.

Fact: People are often struck around three miles from the storm.  On a few occasions, strikes have happened up to 15 miles away.

Myth: If outside in a thunderstorm, a tree is a safe place to hide under.

Fact: People believe that lightning will strike the tree because it is higher, and they will be safe.  On the contrary, taking shelter under a tree is the second-leading cause of lightning related deaths.

Call SERVPRO of Norwalk/Wilton if lightning damages your home or business during a storm.  We have the knowledge and equipment to remediate any damage that may have been caused by stormy weather.