USSSP: Lightening Safety - Facts and Myths

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MYTHS AND FACTS

Myths and Facts:

Myth: If it's not raining, then there is no danger from lightning.

Fact: Lightning often occurs as far as 10 miles away from any rainfall, in or around the future path of the storm.

Myth: Rubber shoe soles and auto tires will protect you from being struck.

Fact: These provide NO protection. The steel frame of a hardtop vehicle provides some protection, if you are not touching metal inside.

Myth: After being struck by lightning, a person carries an electrical charge, and should not be touched.

Fact: Not true. Attend to the victim without delay, CPR may be needed immediately.

Myth: "Heat lightning" without sound poses no threat, it simply occurs after very hot summer days.

Fact: This is from a thunderstorm too far away for the thunder to be heard. It may be moving in your direction.

This web page was written by Jack Wright,
Skymont Scout Reservation, Chattanooga, Tennessee
with web authoring assistance by Michael F. Bowman,

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