Safety Reminder from Mel Coker...
Watch out for Spring and Summer Lightning Storms
Summer is the peak season for one of the nation's deadliest weather phenomena -
lightning. Lightning is a serious danger. In a ranking study of cloud-to-ground flash densities by state for 1996-2004, South Carolina ranks #5.
CLICK HERE: Mel Coker's Lightning Safety eBook
Lightning Casualties In The U.S. By Location Or Activity - Top 4:
1.) Open areas (including sports fields); 2.) Under trees; 3.) Water related activities (swimming, boating, fishing); 4.) Golfing
Most Dangerous: Month: July; Time of Day: 2:00 - 6:00 p.m.; Day of week: Sundays (more people outdoors); Sex: Male (higher rates of outdoor exposure)
Top 5 Most Dangerous States (NOAA Storm Data 1999-2008)
Absolute (based on deaths): Florida, Colorado, Texas, Georgia, North Carolina. South Carolina is #8.
Per Capita (based on deaths): Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, Montana, Florida. South Carolina is #9.
Of the victims who were killed by lightning in 2009:
- 100% were outside
- 82% were male
- 71% were males between the ages of 10-50
- 21% were doing yard work
Florida is the lightning capital of the United States. South Carolina is high on the list... BE CAREFUL when lightning is around!
Remember, When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!
Safe(r) Places: home, permanent building, automobile
Unsafe places: near metal or water, under trees; on hills, near electrical/electronics equipment
NEW: Mel's South Carolina Lightning Awareness eBook
COOL Lightning Links:
National Weather Service - Lightning Safety & Awareness
Lightning Safety for You and Your Family
Personal Lightning Safety
StrikeStar - U.S. Lightning Activity Last 60 minutes
Michael Bath's Lightning Photography website
Lightning Strike Densities by State (SC is #5)
Used with permission by Michael Bath
CLICK: Lightning Awareness & Safety in South Carolina (Issuu eBook)
