Lightning Deaths Traditionally Peak In July: What You Need To Know To Stay Safe

Sean Breslin
Published: June 29,2015

March, April and May are better known for severe weather because they're traditionally the most favorable months for large tornadoes to strike the Plains and Dixie Alley. But it's not until the summer that another severe weather threat becomes most dangerous for millions of Americans.
According the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, July is the month with the most lightning deaths, on average. From 2006 through 2014, an average of 15 lightning fatalities occurred in July, whereas no other month averages more than 11.
"The combination of more thunderstorms, sometimes moving more slowly, in areas where more people are enjoying outdoor activities is why summer is the peak for lightning deaths in the U.S.," said weather.com meteorologist Jon Erdman. "This emphasizes the importance of being weather aware."
(MORE: U.S. Lightning Deaths In 2015)
As of Monday, there have been 13 lightning deaths in the United States this year. NOAA's 30-year statistics show that an average of 20 lightning deaths occur from January through June, and the annual average is 49 deaths.
The 13th lightning death of the year also marked 300 lightning fatalities since the beginning of 2006, NOAA's stats show. Of those deaths, 240 of those have been men, and 60 were women.
NOAA offeres the following advice for staying safe when thunderstorms are present.

• Keep in mind that no place outside is safe during a thunderstorm. If you hear thunder, lightning is close enough to strike you.
• When you hear thunder, immediately move to safe shelter; a substantial building with electricity or plumbing or an enclosed, metal-topped vehicle with windows up.
• Stay in safe shelter at least 30 minutes after you hear the last sound of thunder.

Indoor Lightning Safety

• Stay off corded phones, computers and other electrical equipment that put you in direct contact with electricity.
• Avoid plumbing, including sinks, baths and faucets.
• Stay away from windows and doors, and stay off porches.
• Do not lie on concrete floors, and do not lean against concrete walls.

If You're Caught Outdoors And Can't Get To Shelter ...

• Immediately get off elevated areas such as hills, mountain ridges or peaks
• Never lie flat on the ground
• Never shelter under an isolated tree
• Never use a cliff or rocky overhang for shelter
• Immediately get out and away from ponds, lakes and other bodies of water
• Stay away from objects that conduct electricity (barbed wire fences, power lines, windmills, etc.)

MORE: The Counties Where You're Most Likely To Be Struck By Lightning