GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KKCO) - We are all too familiar to severe storms along the Western Slope. And while lightning might be impressive to look at, it can be dangerous and deadly.
A Colorado man was just killed by a lightning strike while on his honeymoon in Florida. We spoke with the National Weather Service about ways to stay safe from lightning, so you can protect yourself and those around you.
Kris Sanders, meteorologist for the National Weather Service, said, “It’s a strong bolt of electricity. So that can either be fatal or injure you. That’s why lightning is so dangerous.”
Colorado is one of the national leaders in death from lightning. “Colorado actually ranks as the 5th state with the most fatalities from lightning of all the 50 states”, said Sanders.
Lightning is attracted to tall, isolated objects. And to reduce your risk, get to the lowest point possible. Go inside a building like your home or a closed car. But if you’re caught out in the open, move away from tall, isolated objects like light poles or power lines.
“When thunder roars go indoors or in a vehicle. And if not those options I talked about, get away from tall objects and stay in an open field,” said Sanders.
Also avoid being next to water or anything metal since they conduct electricity. “If you’re near water or any kind of metal objects and there’s nothing to ground that, the charge could go through you,” said Sanders.
If you can hear thunder or see lightning, it is time to seek shelter. “It could be 10, 20, or 30 miles away from the storm. Just depends on that particular storm. And it is a small chance that it could be that far, but it’s known to happen. So if you’re able to see dark clouds in the distance, you should be ready for lightning,” said Sanders.
And if someone is struck by lightning, seek medical help and start CPR if needed. “The first thing is call 9-1-1 and if that person isn’t breathing or their heart is maybe stopped if you can tell, administer CPR. That person really isn’t going to carry the electricity that they got from the lightning, so it’s safe to touch them after that occurs,” said Sanders.
You want to wait 30 minutes after the last rumble of thunder or the last lightning you see before venturing out of your shelter.
One way to track lightning is by having our First Alert Weather app. It will notify you if lightning is in the area.
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