Severe Weather Awareness: Lightning safety
Lightning is an underrated killer.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - Lightning causes 28 deaths per year on average in the U.S.
From 2006 to 2021, Tennessee had seven lightning-related deaths, but there were no lightning-related fatalities reported in Tennessee during the year 2023.
The most deadly months for lightning are June, July, and August. That particular period of the year averages a lot of thunderstorms and also coincides with when people are outside the most.
John Jensenius, a Lightning Safety Specialist with the Lightning Safety Council, says that 80% of the recorded lightning fatalities are men.
“Men are risk-takers,” Jensenius said. “They may not be as willing to get inside as quickly as women.”
Jensenius also speaks to the “Deadly Dozen,” which are 12 different activities that contributed the most to U.S. lightning fatalities from 2006 to 2023.
If you can hear thunder, you’re close enough to be struck by lightning. When thunder roars, go indoors. Always know where the nearest shelter is so that you can make your way there when you need to.
Lightning tends to hit the tallest object in the immediate area that it’s going to strike, so avoid standing near something tall — like a tree — during a thunderstorm. If you’re inside, avoid anything that would conduct electricity.
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