Trivia: How Many Lightning Strikes Hit Colorado Each Year?
By Chris Spears
DENVER (CBS4) - It's lightning safety awareness week in Colorado.
We typically see about 500,000 cloud-to-ground lightning strikes each year with an average of three lives lost annually since 1980.
Lightning is the number one killer out of all weather hazards faced in Colorado.
A thunderstorm does not have to be overhead for you to be at risk. Lightning can strike as far as 10 miles away from a storm but has been documented up to 20 miles away.
If you can hear thunder you're within range to receive a lightning strike.
Lightning is possible year round in Colorado but is most common from late April through the middle of September.
OUTDOOR SAFETY
If storms are in the forecast and you plan to be outside make sure you have a way to monitor the latest conditions.
Tools such as an app on your phone with radar will come in handy. The free CBS4 Weather app has an interactive radar where you can toggle on lightning strike data.
WHEN THUNDER ROARS, GO INDOORS
If caught outside when lightning or thunder begins seek substantial shelter immediately, such as a house, church or a store.
A metal roofed vehicle can also offer protection from lightning.
Once inside keep all doors and windows closed and don't touch anything connected to an external antenna or plumbing.
It's recommended that you stay inside your place of shelter at least 30 minutes after the last rumble of thunder.
A recent lightning safety study found that 95 percent of people who were hit by lightning had some type of adequate shelter nearby
DO NOT seek shelter under porches, trees, carports, tents, dugouts or picnic shelters.
Avoid metal objects like fishing rods, golf clubs and tennis rackets because they're good conductors of electricity.
If hiking, take off metal framed backpacks.
Stay away from clothes lines, fences and metal sheds.
Water is also a great conductor of electricity and should be avoided during a thunderstorm. Believe it or not, lightning can strike water and travel beneath and away from its point of contact.
If you plan to be outside have a plan of action in case the weather turns stormy.
Thunderstorms often start building over the mountains before noon each day.
If you belong to a larger organization, such as a sports team, have a designated weather watcher who has the authority to postpone or cancel the event when lightning poses a danger.
WHAT TO DO IF STRUCK
Should someone get struck by lightning, immediately call 9-1-1 and give first aid as soon as possible.
People struck by lightning DO NOT carry an electrical charge contrary to some belief.
It is critical that the victim receive life saving breath if not breathing and CPR if their heart has stopped beating.
Meteorologist Chris Spears writes about stories related to weather and climate in Colorado. Check out his bio, connect with him on Facebook or follow him on Twitter @ChrisCBS4.
