Lightning is a leading cause of weather related death. Prevent lightning death and injury, as well as providing rapid treatment by dispelling these myths about lightning.

Myth 1: No rain, no lightning.
Fact: Lightning can strike 10-15 miles ahead or behind the storm. Lightning can occur with clear blue sky overhead.

Myth 2: Metal attracts lightning.
Fact: Lightning is unpredictable and generally strikes the nearest tall object.

Read three more myths.

Do you want to learn more about lightning? After registering as a new user at RapidCE.com browse for the course on Lightning Causes and Injuries. An ALS and BLS version are available for 1.0 hours of CECBEMS approved continuing education credit.

Myth 3: Strike victims are electrified.
Fact: Victims do not carry a charge and are safe to touch immediately. Do NOT delay treatment.

Myth 4: It is safe to stand in the apparatus bay with the door open.
Fact: You are risk of a direct strike, splash over, or ground current in this position.

Myth 5: As long as I am not the tallest object I am safe outdoors.
Fact: There is no safe place outdoors. If you hear thunder or see lightning move inside a structure – a building with closed doors and windows.

This map shows lightning caused fatalities from 2003 to 2005 in the United States.

http://www.lightningsafety.com/nlsi_lls/fatalities_us.html

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