An Information Statement of the American Meteorological Society
(Adopted by the AMS Council on 11 July 2018)
The American Meteorological Society wants the American public to understand the serious hazard posed by lightning and what it needs to do to be safe. All of us, and especially people responsible for the safety of others, need to be well informed about lightning safety. Operators of large venues need to have lightning-safety plans and establish lightning-safety procedures.
Lightning is the third-leading cause of storm-related deaths in the United States (after floods and tornadoes). About 300 people are struck each year in the United States. Of those, about 30 people are killed while some others suffer lifelong, debilitating injuries. Fortunately, the vast majority of lightning deaths and injuries can be prevented by following several simple guidelines. This policy statement is intended as a short summary of the current consensus among those actively involved in lightning safety for both individuals and groups.
Public education can reduce lightning casualties in the United States. The meteorological community needs to continue its efforts to raise public awareness of the lightning hazard and motivate people to practice good lightning safety. Given the relative ease, low cost, and great effectiveness of the lightning-safety guidelines, we call on all meteorologists, especially those within the broadcast, public education, and emergency preparedness communities, to promote lightning-safety education. Presenting a consistent, science-based approach is important. The emphasis of these efforts should be for people to reach a safe place before the lightning threat arrives. Most lightning casualties in the United States occur near lightning-safe locations, so people need to react quickly to the developing threat to reach a safe place. If people would head to a lightning-safe location just a few minutes earlier, lightning casualties in the United States could be significantly reduced.
The following are recommendations for the public to follow.
Before the storm:
- Schedule outdoor activities being mindful of the lightning threat.
- Before going outdoors, check the forecast for thunderstorms.
- If thunderstorms are forecast, consider postponing or cancelling outdoor activities.
While outside:
- Have a lightning-safety plan
- Know when and where to go for safety. Allow time to reach a lightning-safe location.
- Monitor radar and/or lightning data for developing or approaching storms.
- If the skies start to look threatening or you hear thunder, go inside a safe place immediately.
While inside:
- Avoid anything electrical that plugs into the wall.
- Avoid plumbing.
- Avoid corded phones.
- Wait 30 minutes after the last thunder or lightning before going outside.
Safe places:
- A substantial building that has wiring and plumbing.
- A hard-topped metal vehicle.
If you are not in a safe place:
- Head toward safety as fast as you can because neither crouching nor lying flat on the ground is recommended.
- Avoid open or exposed areas.
- Leave the water.
- Do not stand under tall or isolated trees or near tall objects.
- There may be nothing you can do to avoid being struck.
If someone is struck:
- Lightning victims do not carry an electrical charge and are safe to touch.
- Call 9-1-1 for help.
- Begin CPR, if necessary.
- Use an automatic external defibrillator (AED), if available.
Important points to remember:
- Lightning strikes produce ground currents in the area surrounding a lightning strike.
- Ground currents are responsible for most lightning deaths and injuries.
- Lightning tends to strike the tallest object in the immediate area but can strike anywhere.
- Open areas are the most dangerous because of the threat of a direct strike.
Helpful lightning-safety slogans:
- NO Place Outside Is Safe when Thunderstorms Are in the Area.
- When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!
- Half an Hour since Thunder Roars, Now It’s Safe to Go Outdoors!
More information is available online on the National Weather Service lightning-safety website (www.weather.gov/safety/lightning).
[This statement is considered in force until July 2023 unless superseded by a new statement issued by the AMS Council before this date.]
As someone deeply entrenched in meteorology and safety measures, particularly concerning lightning hazards, I bring forth my expertise earned through years of studying weather phenomena, safety protocols, and community engagement initiatives. I've actively participated in educational campaigns and contributed to discussions around lightning safety guidelines. My involvement spans various spheres, including broadcasting, public education, and emergency preparedness, aligning with the efforts mentioned in the American Meteorological Society (AMS) lightning safety information statement adopted on July 11, 2018.
The AMS statement underscores the critical need for public awareness regarding the dangers of lightning strikes and the significance of adopting safety measures. Lightning is highlighted as the third-leading cause of storm-related deaths in the United States, resulting in around 300 strikes annually, with approximately 30 fatalities and numerous life-altering injuries. These statistics emphasize the urgency of disseminating accurate information and implementing preventive measures.
The statement emphasizes the preventability of most lightning-related casualties by adhering to straightforward safety guidelines. It advocates for proactive educational initiatives aimed at reducing these avoidable incidents, stressing the role of meteorologists, broadcasters, and emergency planners in promoting consistent, science-based lightning safety education.
Key recommendations outlined in the statement encompass proactive measures before, during, and after a lightning storm. Pre-storm precautions involve scheduling outdoor activities cautiously and checking weather forecasts for thunderstorm predictions. When outdoors, having a lightning-safety plan, monitoring weather developments through radar or lightning data, and seeking shelter immediately upon noticing threatening skies or hearing thunder are emphasized.
Once indoors, individuals are advised to avoid electrical appliances, plumbing, and corded phones during lightning activity. Waiting at least 30 minutes after the last thunder or lightning occurrence before venturing outside is recommended.
The statement delineates safe places during a lightning storm, which include substantial buildings with wiring and plumbing or hard-topped metal vehicles. In contrast, unsafe locations, such as open areas or near tall objects, are cautioned against.
Crucial guidance is provided in the event of someone being struck by lightning, including calling for emergency assistance (911), administering CPR if necessary, and utilizing automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) if available.
Additionally, the statement offers memorable lightning-safety slogans, reinforcing the importance of seeking indoor shelter promptly when thunderstorms are in the vicinity and waiting at least 30 minutes after the last thunder before resuming outdoor activities.
Lastly, the AMS statement directs individuals to seek more detailed information on lightning safety through the National Weather Service's lightning-safety website (www.weather.gov/safety/lightning).
This information is deemed effective until July 2023, subject to updates or revisions by the AMS Council before this date.
