Lightning strikes pose safety threat Published April 15, 2015 By Susan Griggs 81st Training Wing Public Affairs KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- How many times has the "lightning within five miles" notification caused your office's crash phone to ring and a loud siren to sound when the message popped up on your computer monitor? It may be time consuming, but it could be a lifesaver, especially in south Mississippi's volatile climate. According to the National Weather Service, Mississippi ranks seventh in lightning deaths when population is figured in. NWS figures estimated that lightning strikes the United States about 25 million times a year. Although most lightning occurs in the summer, people can be struck at any time of year. Lightning kills an average of 51 people in the U.S. each year and hundreds more are severely injured. The old saying, "Lightning never strikes in the same place twice," is a myth, according to the NWS. Lightning often strikes the same place repeatedly, especially if it's a tall, pointy, isolated object. The Empire State Building is hit nearly 100 times a year. If storm clouds are in the distance, you can still be in danger. Lightning often strikes more than 3 miles from the center of the thunderstorm, far outside the rain or thunderstorm cloud. "Bolts from the blue" can strike 10-15 miles from the thunderstorm. The weather service's lightning safety campaign uses the slogan, "When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors." When you hear thunder or see lightning, you should immediately seek safe shelter - a building with electricity and/or plumbing or a metal-topped vehicle with the windows closed. Crouching doesn't make you any safer outdoors, and picnic shelters, dugouts and small buildings without plumbing or electricity aren't safe. Most lightning victims are in open areas or near a tree. Here are some important safety tips: · Stay off corded phones. You can use cellular or cordless phones. · Don't touch electrical equipment or cords. · Avoid plumbing. Don't wash your hands, take a shower or wash dishes. · Stay away from windows and doors, and stay off porches. · While metal does not attract lightning, it does conduct it, so stay away from metal fences, railings, bleachers and other metal sources. · Do not lie on concrete floors or lean against concrete walls. · Stay inside until 30 minutes after you hear the last clap of thunder. For more lightning information and safety tips, log on to http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov.