Being Safe
In The Lightning Capital Of The United States

 By Brittany Osburn

Anyone who has visited the state of Florida has probably experienced at least one good thunderstorm during their stay. So, it probably comes as no surprise that Florida is considered the “lightning capital of the United States.”

Due to Florida’s unique geography, the eastern and western sea breezes collide during the hot summer afternoons, literally sparking thousands of lightning bolts in just one storm. Central Florida, between Tampa and the Port Canaveral area, is known as “lightning alley” and has the highest concentration of strikes in the state.

On average, lightning is responsible for 40 injuries and approximately 6 deaths a year just in the state alone! And its not just people who are at risk, livestock are just as prone to getting struck each day and many ranchers lose cattle and horses to lightning.

There are countless amounts of property damage each year. Fried electronics not set up on surge protectors are common. Even house fires occur!

So what do you do if you find yourself outside when a storm is approaching?

A good rule of thumb is that if you can hear thunder, you are close enough to get hit. If more than 30 seconds of time goes by between a lightning strike and the thunder that accompanies it, you are probably ok because the lightning is probably more than 10 miles away. Any less than 30 seconds and you need to seek shelter in a building or vehicle.

EDITORS NOTE: I don’t know how many times I have seen people still in the water at the beach when an ominous black storm cloud is overhead. This is very dangerous. If your golfing, fishing, swimming or just outdoors, please be safe and move to shelter!

If you are caught outside with no where to go for shelter, do not stand under trees or other tall objects, as lightning can strike the object and travel down to the ground and shock anything near by. Instead, try and find a low-lying ditch or other low area and crouch down until the threat has passed.

So anytime you’re enjoying the outdoors during Florida summers, keep a close eye on the weather and watch the radar. Be safe on your visit to our popular area!